ASTON, PA – On a night that will be remembered, the St. John Fisher University women's ice hockey team officially opened its inaugural season—and wasted no time writing the first chapter in program history. In their first-ever game, the Cardinals delivered a poised, disciplined, and resilient performance on the road, defeating Neumann University, 2–1, on Friday evening.

It wasn't just a win. It was the first goal, the first lead, the first penalty kill, the first save, the first handshake line. Everything about this night carried the weight of a beginning—one built on years of planning, recruiting, and belief. Coming off an offseason that generated excitement across campus and the national women's hockey landscape, Fisher stepped onto the ice for the first time and played like it belonged.

How It Happened
The program's first goal came at the 10:01 mark of the opening period. After a clean entry and sustained pressure, a hard shot from Cecelia Stewart created a rebound in front. Freshman Sophie Grant crashed the net, buried the loose puck, and earned her place in history as the scorer of St. John Fisher's first-ever goal.

The Cardinals struck again just 79 seconds later. Stewart—already impacting the game in all three zones—threaded a pass across the slot to freshman Keira Reckley, who beat the Neumann goaltender cleanly to double the lead. Grant picked up an assist on the play, giving the debut forward line three points in the opening eleven minutes of program existence.

Fisher's defensive commitment defined the rest of the night. Despite facing nine Neumann power plays—including two separate 5-on-3 stretches—the Cardinals' penalty kill was airtight, blocking shots, clearing pucks, and relying on freshman goaltender Brynn Bacak, who was outstanding in her collegiate debut.

Neumann finally broke through with 4:11 remaining in regulation, but Fisher closed the door from there, winning faceoffs, managing the final minutes cleanly, and securing a historic first victory.

Game Notes

• Grant scored the first goal in program history and added an assist.

• Reckley recorded her first collegiate goal, which stood as the game-winner.

• Stewart tallied two assists—the first assists in program history—while leading Fisher in overall shots and zone transitions.

• Bacak posted 22 saves in a standout collegiate debut, including 14 in the second period alone.

• Fisher went a perfect 9-for-9 on the penalty kill.

• Head coach Scott McDonald earned his first win behind the Fisher bench.

Up Next
The Cardinals and Knights meet again on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 1 p.m. in Aston, Pennsylvania, for game two of the weekend series.