The Lake Forest College women's hockey team began the 2009-10 season with a dramatic come-from-behind 5-4 victory over visiting St. Mary's University Saturday night (October 31).

The contest did not get off to a good start for the Foresters, who fell behind at 6:15 and then surrendered goals just 14 seconds apart during the final minute of the opening period.

Lake Forest freshman Rosy Fujimoto (Wasilla, Alaska/Team Alaska) started the comeback with her first career goal four minutes into the second period. She was assisted by sophomore Kim Herring (Dover, N.H./Groton School). Sophomore Jessica Dare (Whitmore Lake, Mich./Belle Tire) pulled the Foresters to within a goal at 5:40 and then tied the score at 12:01. Freshman Chelsea Thompson (Anchorage, Alaska/Team Alaska) assisted on both goals and classmate Denise Perez (San Jose, Calif./Minnesota Thoroughbreds) was also credited with an assist on the second. St. Mary's, however, regained the lead on a power play score with 2:49 remaining in the period.

Dare, who scored four times during her entire freshman season, tied the score again with her third goal of the contest at the 6:56 mark of the third period. It was the first hat trick of her career and the 13th in team history. The game-winner was scored by senior Courtney Bean (Peoria, Ill./Team Illinois) in the power play with 7:52 to play. Classmate Jamie Sauer (Eagle River, Wis./Northland Pines H.S.) earned the assist.

Lake Forest junior goaltender Alyssa Wintermute (Belmont, Ontario/St. Thomas Panthers) stopped all 11 shots on goal she faced in the final period to earn the victory. She finished the contest with 18 saves.

The same two teams will face off again tomorrow afternoon at 2:00.