HAMBURG, NY – Hilbert College Women's Hockey opened the 2026-27 season with a 2-1 victory over Neumann Friday evening in front of the home crowd in Hamburg. Goals from Becca Harris and Victoria Battaglia, and a 23-save performance from goaltender Brook Thompson lifted the Hawks to their first win of the season.
Hilbert controlled much of the action early, firing 17 shots on goal in the first period and testing the Neumann netminder repeatedly. The Hawks earned three power-play opportunities in the opening frame and held a 17-7 advantage in shots, but the game remained scoreless after 20 minutes.
Neumann pushed back in the second period and generated several quality chances, but Thompson turned aside all seven shots she faced in the middle frame. Hilbert finally broke through at the 14:37 mark when Becca Harris found the back of the net for her first career goal. Victoria Koenig and Avery Bauman were credited with assists on the play as the Hawks took a 1-0 lead.
The Hawks carried that momentum into the third period and doubled the advantage just over four minutes in. Victoria Battaglia scored what proved to be the game-winning goal at 4:14 off assists from Ella Voisin and Jamie Bower, extending the lead to 2-0.
Hilbert continued to pressure offensively throughout the final period, generating 12 shots and controlling faceoffs. Neumann broke through with 3:09 remaining when Kenna Sanders scored to cut the deficit to 2-1, but the Hawks held on over the closing minutes to secure the season-opening victory.
The Hawks finished with a 37-24 advantage in shots and dominated the faceoff circle, winning 31 of 47 draws. Battaglia won 14 faceoffs and added the game-winning goal, while Alexis Cunningham went 8-for-9 at the dot. Voisin, Bauman, Koenig and Bower each recorded assists.
Thompson earned the victory with 23 saves, including nine in the third period, as Hilbert successfully killed all six Neumann power-play opportunities.
UP NEXT:
The Hawks and Knights will return to the Nike Base tomorrow afternoon for a 2 pm faceoff.