Three third period goals lift Rochester Century past Austin 6-3 in Big 9 Conference girls’ hockey Saturday

The Austin Packers girls’ hockey team was looking to get back on the winning track Saturday afternoon in the second game of a three-game homestand against the Rochester Century Panthers, and although the Packers held a 3-2 lead midway through the second period, the Panthers rallied with four unanswered goals, two of them from forward Daelynn Williams in a 6-3 win.

Austin held a 1-0 lead after one period with an unassisted goal from Kate Holtz at 6:33, and the Packers made it a 2-0 lead when Lexi Stich tallied only 23 seconds into the second period with an assist to Peyton Squire.  Century started their comeback with goals by Megan Gamble at 6:49 and Zoey Manzardo only :21 later to tie the game at two apiece, but Austin retook the lead when Holtz netted her second of the game, with assists to Isikiyah Hemann and Sara Wangen at 8:38 to put the Packers back in front, 3-2.  Williams tied the game for the Panthers with an even-strength goal at 12:53 of the second period, and her goal only :31 into the third period proved to be the game-winner and put Century ahead 4-3.  Greta Freed added a goal at 2:15, and Grace Oyen added another insurance goal at 10:39 of the third, with an assist to Freed to make the final 6-3.

Shelby Davidson turned aside 30 of the 36 shots she faced in the game for Austin, while Panthers netminder Abigail Connors faced 31 shots and made 28 saves in earning the win.  With the loss, the Packers are now 4-3 on the season, and they return to action Tuesday evening at Riverside Arena against Northfield, with the varsity face-off at 7:15 p.m.  You’ll hear the game live on AM 1480 KAUS,  with the Austin Packers pre-game show set to start at 7:00 p.m.  You can also catch the broadcast on our webpage at myausitnminnesota.com, and also on the I Heart Radio app.