ORONO, Maine - Emma Pais scored her first career hat trick and logged a four-point night to help the Raiders defeat Maine, 5-2, on the road at Harold Alfond Sports Arena on Friday night.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The opening period between Colgate and Maine began with Colgate taking control of the early faceoffs, as Sara Stewart won the initial draws. Colgate maintained offensive pressure with several shots on goal, including attempts by Sarah Roger and Elyssa Biederman, though they were either saved or went wide.Â
As the period continued, Colgate's defense remained resilient, with Jaimee Spring blocking a key shot from the Black Bears. Despite being on the penalty kill twice, Colgate's penalty kill unit, backstopped by Farah Walker, successfully halted the Black Bears' power play efforts.Â
The period concluded with both teams unable to find the back of the net, leaving the score tied at 0-0 heading into the intermission.
Colgate opened the second period by winning the initial faceoff and quickly capitalized on an opportunity, with Ava Wood scoring the first goal of the game at 2:54, assisted by Avery Pickering. This goal came shortly after Colgate successfully killed a Maine power play.Â
Midway through the period, Emma Pais increased Colgate's lead to 2-0 with an unassisted goal at 13:43. The Black Bears responded at 15:30 with a goal from Sade Sandilands, making it 2-1. However, Colgate quickly regained momentum as Pais scored again at 15:54, assisted by Alexis Petford and Alexia Aubin, to restore a two-goal advantage. The period concluded with Colgate leading 3-1.
Colgate began the third period with a narrow lead but faced immediate pressure from Maine's offensive efforts. Following an early penalty on Chloe Goofers, Colgate successfully killed the power play, maintaining their lead. Maine managed to get a goal back with 11 minutes left in the game.
Colgate responded decisively. Pais secured her hat-trick with a power-play goal, assisted by Casey Borgiel and Pickering, regaining the lead for Colgate. Shortly after, Madeline Palumbo capitalized on an empty-net opportunity, extending the lead further. The period closed with Colgate leading 5-2, securing a victory.
GAME NOTES
- Emma Pais extended her point streak to five games with her first career hat trick. The captain has netted seven goals in the last three games.
- Farah Walker made 21 saves in between the pipes.
- The Raiders extended their win streak over Maine to five games and earned their first win in Maine in program history.
- Pais is the first player to log four points or more since Kalty Kaltounkova posted a four-point night on Jan. 18, 2025 vs. Princeton.
- Avery Pickering logged three assists in the win which is the second time this season a player has logged three assists in a game (Alexia Aubin, Oct. 10, 2025 vs. Boston University).
- First-year Ava Wood netted her third goal of the season and joins just 12 other first years in all on NCAA Division I with three or more goals.
UP NEXT
The Raiders (3-2) take on Maine for game two of the series on Saturday. Puck drop is set for 4:30 p.m.
