PITTSTON, Pa. - Stevenson Women's Ice Hockey embarked on the 2024 portion of their season tonight at UCHC and MAC foe King's College. Despite an immediate goal by the Monarchs, the Mustangs would battle back to achieve their highest-scoring game of the season resulting in a 4-3 win.

Twenty one seconds into the first period, King's got on the board. Within five minutes, the Mustangs capitalized on a power-play opportunity thanks to sophomore Maggie Dean, who threw the puck on net after receiving a set-up from classmate Meghan Croyle and senior Gracie Payne. The goal was Dean's second of the season while the assists account for Croyle's third and Payne's first.

Dean's goal was the first of three straight from the Mustangs as she was followed by senior Hannah Labbe just minutes later. Labbe's second goal of the season was assisted by first year Emma DeMan and sophomore Jayne DeBejian, both recording their second points of the season in the effort.

Meghan Croyle returned to the scoresheet before the first period expired, scoring her first goal of the season via senior Franki Cappello and Gracie Payne once again. Croyle now boasts three points on the season while Cappello and Payne total five and two, respectively. 

The lone goal of the second period would go to King's, halving the Mustangs' goal differential. However, first year Carleigh Barwick would double the lead once more just after the halfway point of the third period, citing an assist from classmate Abby Smith. Barwick's goal puts her at three on the season and Smith's assist accounts for her second career point.

Late offensive efforts from the Monarchs would prove insufficient after their third goal as the Mustangs held onto the 4-3 lead. 

DeMan and senior Emily Brightbill finished with a game-high +2 rating. Cappello led the Mustangs with five shots on goal, followed by Croyle with four. In the circle, senior Cassie Campbell won a game-high 12 draws.

In net, senior Ainsley King made 23 saves for her first win of the season.

Stevenson looks to duplicate tonight's result in tomorrow's series-closing matchup at the Revolution Ice Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 1:15 p.m.