Razorbacks Start Off 26-27 Campaign With Sweep of Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The Arkansas Razorback's women's hockey team began the 2026-27 campaign on the road at the University of Oklahoma on Saturday, September 26th. The Razorbacks got out to a hot start with a goal from sophomore Ava Haertling less than 9 minutes in. Just over 1 minute later, sophomore Ella Przybylski cashed in on the powerplay to make it 2-0. Freshman Aubrey Westrich grabbed her first ACHA goal, before grad student Ella Knee would do the same to make the score 4-0 at the end of the 1st period. Westrich opened the 2nd period with her 2nd goal of the game. Soon after, sophomore Chloe Vann grabbed her first ACHA goal on the powerplay. Freshman Kenna Vacha became the 4th Razorback to score her first ACHA goal with 2 minutes remaining in the 2nd period. Oklahoma would score with 6 minutes remaining in the 3rd period to break the shutout bid for Arkansas. However, the Hogs would finish off the game with a 7-1 win, capturing the first win in Razorback women's program history. Goaltender Ellie Noll secured her 1st collegiate win, giving up just 1 goal.

Sunday would bring an opportunity for the Hogs to leave Oklahoma with a sweep of the Sooners. Oklahoma opened the scoring 8 minutes into the first frame. Arkansas would respond quickly, with Ella Knee slamming home a rebound to tie the game. Ava Haertling would connect just 8 seconds later to lift the Hogs into the lead. Freshman Emma Woodford would collect her 1st ACHA goal just a minute later, putting Arkansas out front 3-1 heading the 1st intermission. Kenna Vacha started the 2nd period off with a goal of her own 45 seconds into the frame. Sophomore Taylor Davis collected a loose puck in front to make it 5-1 Arkansas with just over 4 minutes left in the 2nd period. Oklahoma would score before the end of the period to close the gap. However, Knee would score her 2nd goal of the game just 1 minute into the 3rd period. Arkansas and Oklahoma would continue to trade goals. Knee would score her 3rd goal of the game 4:30 into the 3rd period to make it 7-3. Knee's hat trick is the first hat trick in program history. Oklahoma would come right back to make it 7-4, but Arkansas would own the game from here on out. Vacha would score the next 2 goals to collect her own hat trick. Senior Rylee Lara would finish off a Razorback victory with the 10th goal of the afternoon. Freshman Emma Dietrich tallied the first win of her collegiate career in net to complete the sweep for Arkansas.

The next task for the Razorbacks will be October 16th-18th in Independence, MO at the Kansas City Showcase, as they take on the University of Iowa and Maryville University.

The University of Arkansas Women’s Hockey team plays in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. The 2026-27 season will be the team’s third season as a member of the ACHA competing in Division II. The team’s schedule can be viewed here. All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale, AR.