The Colby women’s hockey team split two decisions on the road this weekend to earn a spot in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) women’s hockey playoffs. The Mules fell 2-0 to Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. on Friday, February 11. However, they came back to crush Wesleyan University 5-1 in Middletown, Conn. on Saturday.

Against the Trinity Bantams, Colby managed 30 shots, but could not put one between the pipes. Trinity goalie Alexa Pujol earned a shutout, stopping 15 shots during the third period alone. Colby’s first-year goalie Brianne Wheeler made 10 or more saves in each period (31 total), but could not prevent Trinity’s Kim Weiss ’11 from scoring, as she notched once in the second period, and another in the final minute of play.

Saturday was a different story, as the Mules defeated the Wesleyan Cardinals 5-1. Tri-captain Stephanie Scarpato ’11 scored twice, bringing her number of career points to 99.

The Cardinals opened the scoring with a goal from Sena Ito ’11, soon followed by Scarpato’s first goal at 10:59 in the first period. A little over a minute later, Tasha Rivard ’13 scored for the Mules, securing the lead they would hold on to for the remainder of the game. During the second period, Marissa Simmons ’12 scored for the fifth time this season. Scarpato tallied her second goal of the game off a rebound, bringing the score to 4-1.  7:25 in the third, Alex Essman ’11 netted the final score of the game on an assist from Scarpato during a power play.

In net, Wheeler stopped 11 shots in the first two periods. First-year Grace Dickinson took over in the third and made four saves during the remainder of the game.

The victory secured the Mules a bid in the NESCAC playoffs. “It was a great game to ensure our spot in the playoffs. We played at our level, not [Wesleyan’s], and it showed on the scoreboard. Wesleyan scored early in the first period to take the lead, but we turned around, took the momentum and didn't stop,” goalie Wheeler said.

Colby is now 8-14 overall and 4-10 in league play. The Mules will host the Middlebury College Panthers this Friday, February 18 at 7 p.m. in Alfond Arena. They will take on Williams College the following day at 3 p.m. for their final regular-season game.