STEVENS POINT, Wis. — To kick off the new year, the Saint Mary's women's hockey team (4-5-0) defeated UW-Stevens Point (8-6-0) with a commanding performance marked by a relentless offense, outshooting the hosts 49–9. 

Saint Mary's secured the win with a two-goal second period, including a shorthanded goal, while their defense held the Pointers scoreless in the final two periods. 

Despite facing an early power play disadvantage, Saint Mary's took the lead with a short-handed goal by Sophia Paduano at 12:25, assisted by Mikayla Vasilevich. It was Leah Parker who got scrappy to get the puck free for the set up.

Quickly, the Pointers equalized in the same period with an even-strength goal at 7:06 and ended the period with the teams tied at 1-1.

It was all the Cardinals from there on out.

Saint Mary's took control early in the second period, capitalizing on a series of offensive attempts. Teagan Phillips put the Cardinals back on top with a beautiful shot to the top right from deep at 14:43, assisted by Kenzie Meland, to extend their lead to 2-1. 

Shortly thereafter, Jhoni Takin added another goal at 8:10 for her first collegiate career goal, with Paige Zaitsoff providing the assist, bringing the score to 3-1. 

The Cardinals maintained their two-goal advantage as the period concluded with the visitors leading 3-1.

Saint Mary's maintained pressure in the third period, consistently challenging the Stevens Point defense.

Although the Cardinals were unlucky in a power play opportunity at 3:54, the period remained scoreless. The first game of 2026 concluded with a 3-1 victory for the Cardinals as the final period saw no change in the scoreboard.

The team will carry this energy in game two against the Pointers tomorrow, Jan. 3 this time hosting the Pointers, for a 3:00 p.m. puck drop.