Millbrook 5 -- Portledge 1

Millbook opened its home schedule with a solid 5-1 win against a hard-working but undermanned Portledge team, the hosts responding well to their previous weak road effort.  Louise Steele-Norton led the way with a hat trick, with Molly Chapman and Olivia Farrell adding the other goals.  The first period began with a Steele-Norton goal in the second minute and ended 2-0.  The Mustangs were still giving up too many odd-man rushes but were creative with the puck offensively and winning the trade-off.  Kelly Fallon and Alexa de la Guardia contributed two assists each on the way to a 4-0 lead at the end of the second, and every player on the roster was able to contribute in the last two periods.  Portledge stayed the course and, while not generating too much offense, were rewarded for their diligence with a goal in an odd scramble with ten seconds on the clock!  That moment aside, the defense grew in strength as the game progressed, with Rachel DeSimone playing particularly well and earning a point.  The team welcomed back alternate captain Caroline McCarthy, who played her first game of the year with her typical hustle and drive.