FOND DU LAC, WI – The Beloit College Women's Ice Hockey team played the first game of their inaugural season this afternoon. They opened their 2025-26 season with a challenging 5-2 loss against Marian University (WI) at the Blue Line Family Ice Center. Despite the scoreboard, the Buccaneers showed flashes of potential and resilience, particularly in their defensive efforts against a potent Marian offense.

Beloit's goaltender, Janelle Quast (Litchfield, Minn.), was a standout performer, facing a barrage of 21 shots on goal and making 16 saves throughout the 60-minute contest. Her efforts kept the Buccaneers in the game, particularly during Marian's dominant periods.

The game remained scoreless through the first period, a testament to both teams' defensive starts. The Sabres broke the deadlock in the second period, taking a 1-0 lead. However, Beloit responded with tenacity, with Natasha Ludwig (Royalton) netting the Buccaneers' first goal of the season in the second period, assisted by Madi Hoffman (Madison, Wis.) and Rachel Fussy (Mahtomedi, Minn.), tying the game briefly at 1-1.

The third period saw Marian pull away, scoring four goals to Beloit's one. Kennedy Gruhlke (Eau Claire, Wis.) added another goal for Beloit in the third, assisted by Kiera Fairnington (Fort Frances, Ontario), showcasing the team's continued fight.

While the Buccaneers were outshot 21-13 on goal and 37-19 in total shot attempts, their defensive players were active, blocking 4 Marian shots. On the offensive end, Beloit managed 13 shots on target, indicating opportunities were created, but Marian's Emily Fuchs was solid in goal with 11 saves.

The power play offered a mixed bag for Beloit. They capitalized on one of their three power play opportunities, a positive sign for their special teams. However, they also faced five Marian power plays, successfully killing off all but one.

Key players for Beloit included R. Fussy, who contributed an assist and led the team in faceoff wins with 8, and Kylie Schryer (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario), who also had 7 faceoff wins. Ludwig and K. Gruhlke were the goal scorers for the Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers and Sabres will meet again tomorrow afternoon at the Woodman's Center in Janesville for the Buccaneers first home game. Game time is set for 2 pm.