ASTON, Pa. — It took until the third period for tonight’s game-winning goal to be scored, but the wait was worth it, as the third-ranked Elmira College women’s ice hockey team eked out a tight 2-1 victory on the road over Neumann University. Meghan Fonfara ’18 played the hero tonight with a pair of goals, including the game-winning tally that came with 6:20 remaining in regulation. Additionally, Coach Kelsea Martalock picked up the first win of her career in her head coaching debut.
Despite a hefty 13-to-4 advantage in shots in the first period, the majority of the opening 20 minutes was fairly even. Both teams had opportunities with the extra skater, but neither side was able to connect on the power play.
Neumann netminder Julia Fair made a handful of saves at point blank range late in the first period, but Elmira’s consistent pressure on the forecheck yielded shot after shot until eventually the Soaring Eagles broke through for the game-opening goal with 1:29 left in the opening stanza. Scoring for Elmira was third-year forward Meghan Fonfara ’18, who knocked-in the goal from just outside the crease off of a rebound.
The opening of the second period had a similar feel to the first, as Elmira continued its assault on the forecheck. However, it would be the Knights who would break through for the period’s first score, as Neumann’s Jordyn Cholish was able to beat EC goaltender Kyle Nelson ’17 for the game-tying score. Grace Klienbach was credited with an assist on the Cholish goal, which was scored with 12:34 left in the second stanza.
Elmira had its chances to reclaim the lead later in the period when the Knights were whistled for a hooking penalty at 14:36. The Soaring Eagles had a prime scoring chance on a breakaway, leaving Sarah Hughson ’18 one-on-one with Neumann’s Fair. Hughson carried the puck into the lower slot and snapped a wrist shot but her attempt grazed past the left post, as Elmira skated into the final intermission tied at 1-1.
In the third period, Elmira tipped the scale in its favor by outshooting the Knights 15-to-1. Elmira’s offensive surge paid off at the 13:40 mark, as Fonfara scored the eventual game-winning goal, her second tally of the night. Fonfara punched-in the deciding goal through a massive scrum in front of the Neumann cage. Senior captain Johanna Eidensten ’17 picked up an assist on Fonfara’s goal, her first assist of the year.
Turning Point
With the contest knotted at one apiece, Elmira’s Fonfara lit the lamp with her second goal of the night, propelling the Soaring Eagles to a 2-1 victory. Elmira peppered the Neumann net with a plethora of shots in the third period, while holding the Knights to just one shot, which would ultimately lead to Fonfara’s game-winning goal.
Inside the Box Score
Elmira dominated in the shots category, 41-to-9.
Neither team was able to capitalize on their power-play chances.
Elmira went 0-for-3 with the extra skater, while Neumann was 0-for-2.
Fonfara scored both of Elmira’s goals, one in the first and the second in the third.
Eidensten was credited with an assist on Fonfara’s game-winning goal.
Nelson finished with eight saves in a winning effort.
News and Notes
Elmira opened the 2016-17 season with a win.
The Soaring Eagles improved to 11-3-2 in season-opening games.
Elmira is 34-0-1 all-time against the Knights.
EC extended its consecutive win streak against Neumann to 11 games.
Head Coach Kelsea Martalock picked up her first collegiate coaching victory.
Fonfara logged her first multi-goal game since January 23, 2016.
Fonfara scored the fourth game-winning goal of her career.
Nelson picked up the 30th win of her collegiate career (30-6-2).
Up Next
The Soaring Eagles are back in action tomorrow afternoon, when Elmira concludes its season series with Neumann. Tomorrow’s ECAC West contest is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. at the IceWorks Skating Complex in Aston, Pennsylvania.
