Plattsburgh, NY -- After a hard-fought loss at
the hands of #2-ranked Plattsburgh yesterday, the women's ice
hockey team were defeated in more convincing fashion this afternoon
by #4-ranked Elmira (6-1-1), falling 8-2 in the Consolation Round
of this year's Panther/Cardinal Classic. The Ephs (0-3-0)
were heavily outshot throughout the game, as Williams net-minder
Sara Plunkett faced a barrage of 54 shots in contrast to just
the 15 faced by Elmira goaltender Jalene McCulloch.
Williams was able to match Elmira in the first twenty
minutes, as freshman Eliza Foster answered with a power play
goal, her first of the season, late in the period to tie it at
one. But the relentless offensive attack of the Soaring
Eagles overwhelmed the Ephs for the rest of the game, as they were
outscored 4-1 in the second period and 3-0 in the third.
"It was definitely a tough game for us," remarked Williams head
coach Shannon Bryant. "We didn't respond very well in
critical situations and that was the difference."
Foward Jenna McCall netted two goals for Elmira in the second
period, finishing with a +3-rating and claiming the first star of
the game. Eagles forwards Lindsay Mitchell and Melaine
Henshaw, as well as Defenseman Jaime Kivi also finished with
+3-ratings. Stephanie Berger '11 put in her first of the year
for the other Ephs goal, but no Williams player was able to break
into positive-rating territory.
"We have some adjustments we're gonna have to make for the
upcoming weekend," acknowledged Bryant. "This has been a
difficult opening to our season but we must continue to look ahead
and improve the areas of our game that need it."
The Ephs will face-off against Wesleyan next Saturday at 4pm and
then against Hamilton next Sunday at three. Despite both of
these games taking place on the road, these opponents should prove
to be slightly below the caliber of competition that the squad has
had to face so far this season. Next weekend may be a solid
chance for the team to start turning their season around.
For results, click
here.
