New Faces Prevail in 9-3 Victory Over Grand Canyon University

October 5, 2024
Written by Parker Beh

TEMPE, Ariz. – A sellout crowd was on hand Friday night to see the Arizona State ACHA D1 women’s team take the ice at the Mountain American Community Iceplex In a lively environment, the Sun Devils defeated the Grand Canyon University Antelopes 9-3 in their home opener to start the 2024-25 season. 

“I think it’s great,” ASU head coach Lindsey Ellis said about the packed crowd. “The better they get, the more wins we get, hopefully we can sell out Mullett (Arena) against U of A.”

The team will have to wait for its February 1, 2025, senior night date against the University of Arizona’s newly created women’s club hockey team. Coming into the game, Grand Canyon had split its opening series against the Arizona Wildcats, giving them a 1-1 record. 

After adding 16 new skaters to Arizona State’s roster in the offseason, six of them contributed on the scoresheet. Sophomore forward Lula Swanson and freshman forwards Kyly Laybolt and Kylie Brown potted their first career goals as Sun Devils in the winning effort.

“It was a blast,” Swanson said after playing in her first game in ASU colors. “I wasn’t sure what to expect being a transfer. But after seeing just our practices this week leading up to it, I knew it was going to be good. Honestly, the game was even more fun.”

Arizona State freshmen forwards Taylor Bierlmeier, Mara Draper, and Paige Brien recorded their first assists in the maroon, gold, and white as well. 

The Sun Devils’ special teams were dominant against the Lopes, scoring four power-play goals and one shorthanded goal. Senior forward Sydney Paulsen found the back of the net shorthanded to put her side up 2-1 with 3:12 to play in the opening period. The teaming-leading point scorer from last season beat GCU junior goalie Olivia Cronin with a quick move to her backhand, all alone in front of the net. 

Despite breaking her stick in warmups, “Paulsen Power,” was in full effect – the right-handed shot notched a 4-point night, including two assists which moved her past Sheridan Gloyd for second-most assists in program history. She commented on the new faces in the lineup.

“It was an exciting moment for all the freshmen as we had so many new people playing,” Paulsen said. “It was really a fun opportunity to see how everyone plays with each other and ultimately playing a team that we don’t really have the best relationship with.”

Grand Canyon and Arizona State’s rivalry brings its Cactus Cup series every season. With the Sun Devils sweeping the five-game series against the Lopes last season and the addition of the Wildcats, the Cactus Cup race will now feature three teams. 

The Lopes scored on their first shot of the game, coming at the 7:53 mark of the first period. The Sun Devils went nearly 12 minutes without allowing a shot on goal. GCU senior defenseman Reese Gingrich shelved a shot over ASU junior goalie Quinn Eatinger’s glove side through a screen from the inner right-wing face-off circle. 

Arizona State’s response in the second and third periods showcased the potential of the team’s depth. The Sun Devils’ all-time leading scorer, senior forward Sam Murphy, and sophomore forward Paige Ring notched 3-point performances. Furthermore, all four forward lines 
contributed to goals in the contest. 

“Overall, our speed and just the want for the puck – I don’t think we’ve ever collectively had a full team that just wants the puck,” Ellis said. “And it was so obvious tonight that they all wanted it, so that was great.”

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