POTSDAM, N.Y. – The SUNY Potsdam women’s hockey team (9-13-2, 5-9-1 ECAC
West) held off Buffalo State (6-17-1, 3-12 ECAC West) to claim the 4-3
victory Saturday night. Freshman forward Sally Mooney (New Albany, Ohio /
Wyoming Seminary) scored the game-winning goal 8:21 into the second period
to secure the decision. Junior forward Amanda Lucky (Kanata, Ontario /
Clarkson University) recorded a goal and an assist to lead the Bears with
two points (1g-1a-2pts).
Potsdam was the first to strike as Lucky received a pass from sophomore
forward Izzy Fayerman (Calgary, Alberta / The Edge) at the 12:49 mark in
the first period. Buffalo State would answer one minute later when senior
forward Tara Boliard (Canton, MI / Canton) stole a pass and buried the
puck to notch the game at 1-1. At the 15:14 mark, Alexandra Holowka
connected on a shot assisted by sophomore forward Emilee Hazelden
(Bloomingdale, N.Y. / Northwood School) and freshman defender Kristen
Domanski (Brooklin, Ontario / Barrie Sharks). Once again, the Bengals
responded as freshman defenseman Nikki Kirchberger (Buffalo, NY / W.
Seneca West) beat junior goalie Dawna Salvarinas (Mississauga, Ontario /
Brampton Thunder) just 23 seconds later to tie the game 2-2 at the end of
the first period.
The Bears continued to find the back of net in the second period. Junior
forward Jessica Silveira (Brampton, Ontario / Brampton Thunder) scored at
the 7:17 mark. The Lucky sisters, Amanda and junior captain Brittany
(Kanata, Ontario / Ottawa Senators), recorded the assists on the play.
Mooney then beat junior goalie Jordan Lee (Colorado Springs, CO /
Widefield) to notch the deciding marker a minute later. Buffalo State
remained persistent and a late goal by sophomore forward Kara Goodwin
(Avon Lake, OH / Avon Lake) brought the Bengals within one goal of Potsdam
after the second period.
The final stanza was tightly contest with the Bears edging Buffalo State
in shots, 9-7. Potsdam made the switch in goal to senior goalie Jen
Conophy (Glenmont, N.Y. / Albany Ice Cats) to start the third period. The
Bears took two penalties midway through the period but were able to kill
the Buffalo State power play opportunities. With 35 ticks remaining on the
clock, the Bengals pulled Lee for the extra attacker. However, Conophy and
the Potsdam defense would hold off the barrage to secure the win.
Salvarinas recorded 16 saves and Conophy tallied seven in relief. Lee
finished with 33 saves for the Bengals. Potsdam was 0-3 on the power play
and Buffalo State went 0-4 on the man advantage.
Potsdam returns to Cheel Arena tomorrow to conclude their series with
Buffalo State at 2 p.m. The Bears clinch a playoff spot with a victory
tomorrow and a Neumann loss to Plattsburgh will move Potsdam into fifth
place. A loss would eliminate the Bears from playoff contention.
