POTSDAM, N.Y.—Neumann University (6-13-1, 4-8 ECAC West) got two third
period goal from freshman forward Shanelle Doucette (Bowmanville,
Ontario/Oakville Jr. Hornets) to down the SUNY Potsdam women’s hockey team
(7-10-2, 3-7-1) 3-1 at Cheel Arena on Sunday afternoon. Junior assistant
captain Jenn Crawford (Burlington, Ontario/Stoney Creek Sabres) scored for
the Bears.
Potsdam outshot the Knights 14-12 in the first period, partially due to
their five power plays. However, both teams had their chances to score.
Missed execution by the offenses and strong goaltending play from
Potsdam’s Dawna Salvarinas (Mississauga, Ontario/Brampton Thunder) the
Knights’ Shannon Donnelly (Orleans, Ontario/Nepean Jr. Wildcats) kept the
contest scoreless through the first 20 minutes.
Potsdam had several strong scoring chances early in the second period, but
it was Neumann getting on the board first. At the 7:03 mark, freshman
forward Doucette fired a shot on goal that Salvarinas stopped, but
freshman forward Jessica Langdon (Waterdown, Ontario/Hamilton Hawks MAA)
drove home the rebound. Potsdam responded with a flurry in the Neumann
zone, but Donnelly kept them off the board. At the 15:09 mark, Doucette
was hauled down on a breakaway and awarded the Knights’ second penalty
shot in as many games. Doucette moved to her right at the last second and
clanged the shot off the post. The Bears went on the man advantage moments
later, but still couldn’t crack Donnelly. Neumann retained its 1-0 lead at
the second break.
The Knights put good pressure on Potsdam’s defense early, but Salvarinas
bought the Bears time to get their offense moving. Potsdam finally tied
the score at the 9:00 mark as Crawford fired a shot off of Donnelly’s
facemask and then buried her own rebound. Sophomore forward Alexandra
Holowka (Winnipeg, Manitoba/Balmoral Hall) recorded the assist. At 14:26,
Doucette deflected a shot from the slot past Salvarinas for the go-ahead
goal. Freshman defenseman Keira St. Laurent assisted on the play. Neumann
kept up the pressure and Doucette struck again to provide some insurance
with 56 seconds left.
Salvarinas finished with 36 saves and Donnelly got into the win column
with 40 of her own. Potsdam was 0-8 on the power play and Neumann went
0-4.
The Bears are back in action on Tuesday night when they host
non-conference opponent Hamilton College at 7 p.m. The Continentals
defeated Potsdam 4-2 in Clinton on Dec. 4.
###
