Angola, IN - Chatham Women's Hockey (1-10-0, 0-4-0 UCHC) hit the road on Friday, taking on Trine (5-8-1, 1-6-1 NCHA) in their first matchup of the new year. The Cougars narrowly lost to the Thunder 3-1.

In the first period, the Cougars would strike first, putting the pressure on the Thunder. On the power play, Chelsea Clark found the back of the net, for her team leading 2nd goal of the season to put the Cougars up 1-0. Willow Roberts and Liv McTavish added assists on the opening goal. Chatham continued the pressure by firing 8 shots on goal, but was unable to extend their lead. In net, Sam Brophy stopped all the shots she faced to keep the Cougars up one as they headed into the intermission. 

Two minutes in the second period, the Thunder answered back, putting one in the back of the net to even the score 1-1. Building off the momentum shift, Trine added another goal, making it 2-1, at the 8:50 mark. The Cougars sent the Thunder to the power play moments later but were able to kill the penalty to stay within striking distance. 

In the third period, the Cougars were relentless in their attack, firing 7 shots on net, hoping to find the equalizer. They pulled their goaltender with five minutes left in the game, but the Thunder added an empty net goal to put the game on ice. 

As a team, the Cougars' special teams were up to the task. They went one for one on the power play and caused the Thunder to go 0/3 on their powerplay opportunities. Leading the way defensively was Lily Schmear, who recorded a game high, 4 blocks. 

Next up for the Cougars is a rematch with Trine tomorrow, January 10th, in Indiana. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 pm.