Lady Flames Hockey Wins Season Opener Against Washington Pride

After winning the ACHA Championship in April, the Lady Flames Division I hockey team began its season with a 3–2 victory over the Washington Pride Sept. 25 at the LaHaye Ice Center.

The Lady Flames were quiet in the first period, but by the third period, they had scored twice. A late-game rally by the Pride tied the game, but Liberty scored the game-winning shot with less than six minutes left.

All three goals came from rookies, with two of the goals coming from sophomore Carly Glover. Glover transferred from NCAA DI Merrimack College just one week before the game.

“I needed to go out there and do what I can do,” Glover said regarding her mindset before the game. 

Only one minute into the second period, Glover scored her first goal in a Flames uniform.

“After the first period, we were tied, and we all talked to each other and said that we just need to go out there and put some pressure on the puck,” Glover said. 

Later in the third period, Glover proceeded to score the game-winning goal. Glover said that she has adjusted well to the team overall.

“The girls are super welcoming, and it’s been so nice to be here,” Glover said. “I’m playing with some amazing teammates.”

Glover is not the only new name added to the roster this season. The Lady Flames have eight freshmen — including Zosia Adamek, who provided Liberty’s other goal in the victory.

Recruitment has been a huge strength for the Lady Flames’ roster every season. According to Assistant Coach Justin Forth, Head Coach Chris Lowes deserves the credit for the team’s recruiting success.

“Since Coach Lowes has taken over, he and our scouts have done a really good job of recruiting the right fit of girls,” Forth said. 

After the first game, Lowes said the rookies stood out early within the first game. 

“Some of our young girls had some good moments,” Lowes said. “There’s lot to build on.” 

Even though the Lady Flames look young, the expectations are still high for the season. The Lady Flames have won three ACHA National Championships in four years (2019–20 season was cut short due to COVID-19). They are relying on returning players to guide the young team to success.

“The freshmen can follow the sophomores’ lead, even though it was a tricky season last year,” Forth said. “They gained a ton of experience last year. Even though we are young, we feel very confident in the leadership with our team guiding these freshmen players into a full season.”

The Lady Flames followed the game with a 12-2 victory against the Pride Sept. 26 before sweeping Lindenwood University Oct. 2-3. 

The Lady Flames will return to the ice Oct. 16 when they travel to Maryland to compete against Stevenson University.

Hagar is a sports reporter. Follow her on Twitter at @jackiehagar5.