ADRIAN, Mich. — In a clash of conference champions, Wilkes rode a stellar 32-save performance from goaltender Audrey Milne to upset No. 6-ranked Adrian, 2-1, in the first round of the NCAA Division III Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament on Saturday.

The victory marks an achievement for the Wilkes program, as the Colonels (25-1-1) won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game to advance to the national quarterfinals. The loss ends a celebrated season for Adrian (24-6-0), the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) Kronschnabel Cup (regular season) and Slaats Cup (tournament) champions.

Wilkes struck first late in the opening period. Jordan Ferry Ferry broke the scoreless tie at the 18:24 mark, slotting a shot past Adrian’s Kiera Stack off an assist from Lily Zingaro to give the Colonels the early momentum.

The visitors extended their lead in the second period when Abby Bush found the back of the net at 6:57, assisted by Nina Hudakova. The goal would eventually stand as the game-winner, providing the cushion Wilkes needed to withstand a late surge from the Bulldogs.

Adrian, trailing 2-0, utilized its power play to cut the deficit in half later in the second frame. Courtney Ben capitalized on a man-advantage opportunity at 14:36, assisted by Emma Simon, to bring the Bulldogs within one.

Despite outshooting the Colonels 33-29, including a 10-shot barrage in the final period, Adrian was unable to solve Milne for an equalizing goal. Milne’s 32 saves proved to be the difference, as she turned away several high-danger chances in the closing minutes after Adrian pulled Stack for an extra attacker with a minute to play.

Stack finished the night with 27 saves for the Bulldogs. Adrian’s special teams finished 1-for-2 on the power play.

Wilkes now moves on to the NCAA quarterfinal round, continuing its deepest postseason run in program history, and will travel to Nazareth. For Adrian, the defeat concludes a season highlighted by three winning streaks of six games or more.