Fourth-ranked Middlebury scored four third-period goals on its way to a 7-1 win over Colby in the season-opener for both teams. Hannah Bielawski and Emily Fluke each had a goal and two assists in the win. The Panthers return to action on Sunday when they again host the Mules, this time with a 3:00 p.m. face-off in Kenyon Arena.

Middlebury took a 1-0 lead 1:31 into the game with a power play goal. Carly Watson's shot from the right point was saved, before Fluke pounced on the rebound and gave her team a 1-0 lead.

The lead grew to 2-0 with 2:46 remaining with a nice wrister to the high glove side from the right circle by Allie Aiello.

Colby had a good look early in the second period, but Sasha Fritts' shot at an open net hit a player in front.

Middlebury took a 3-0 lead 5:02 into the period with a goal from Elizabeth Wulf. After Julia Wardwell's shot was saved, Wulf jumped on the rebound and found the back of the net to give her team some breathing room.

Minutes later, Panther Katie Sullivan was robbed on the power play by a nice blocker save from Angelica Crites (24 saves).

Leading 3-0 in the third, Middlebury added to its lead when Watson found the back of the net through traffic from the left point.

Colby got on the board 11:04 into the third period when Nikki Donato scored on an open net from the high slot, after Lauren Guarente had been denied by Panther netminder Annabelle Jones (10 saves).

Middlebury answered 1:21 later when Bielawski one-timed a nice cross-crease pass from Kelly Sherman to give her team a 5-1 lead.

Bielawski poked home a rebound and Victoria Laven scored with an outside shot off a defender to make it a 7-1 final.

Middlebury finished the game with a 31-11 shots advantage.