Tradition pulls away in 2nd half for 5-3 win over Pellicci Ace Hardware

Braemar Arena, July 15, 2025 — In a rematch at the midpoint of the Celly League season, Tradition Mortgage earned  an impressive 5–3 victory over Pellicci Ace Hardware at Braemar Arena, Tuesday evening.

The matchup marked the second meeting of the season between the two Celly League clubs. Back in the league’s season opener, Ace Hardware narrowly escaped with a 5–4 win. But this time, Tradition Mortgage flipped the script, using a relentless second-period surge led by a pair of Minnesota State Maverick teammates to take control of a tightly contested game

The game opened with strong goaltending and disciplined defensive play. Tradition struck first at 13:17 of the opening frame when Isa Goettl (BSU) found the back of the net off a feed from Sophie Stramel (MSU), putting the visitors up 1–0. Both netminders—Hailey Hansen (MSU) for Ace Hardware and Ashlyn Hazlett (BSU) for Tradition—were sharp early, combining for 17 saves in the period.

Things opened up in the second. Pellicci Ace Hardware responded with a goal of their own. Kendall Hassler (MSU) opened the scoring in the second half with 22:25 remaining as she made a nifty outside in move on a one-on-one. 

Tradition Mortgage extended their lead at 19:02 with a goal from Sydney Bailey (UM), assisted by Stramel and Avery Achterkirch (BSU). Addison Andre (Franklin Pierce) then made it 3–1 at 15:37, finishing a slick setup from Zoe Lopez (MSU).

Pellicci Ace Hardware, unfazed by the two-goal hole, responded with a burst of their own. Kendall Hassler (MSU) opened the scoring in the first 22:25 on an unassisted breakaway goal, In the second half, Avery Farrell (SCSU) struck with help from Makayla Moran (MSU) to cut the deficit to 3–2.

Just when it seemed Ace Hardware might complete the comeback, Lopez tallied again for Tradition at 5:12, regaining a two-goal cushion which was a laser in off the post that beat Ace goalie Grace Zaun (Dartmouth).  The Lopez goal held up as the game winner as she (1g,1a) and Strammel (2a) each had multi-point games providing a potential preview for great things to come for the Mavericks.  

A late goal by Senja Leeper (BSU) at 1:58 gave Ace Hardware hope at 4–3, but Maiah Aanenson (Franklin Pierce) iced the win with an empty-netter in the final minute.

With the win, Tradition Mortgage tightens the race in the Celly League standings. Ace Hardware, which had built early-season momentum, now faces stiffer competition as the second half of the season unfolds. The loss marks just their second of the year, while Tradition continues their climb after an up-and-down start.

3 Stars

Zoe Lopez (Tradition) 1g-1a
Sophie Stramel (Tradition) 2a
Senja Leeper (Ace) 1g-1a