REISTERSTOWN, MD. – The Manhattanville College women’s hockey team advanced to the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) semifinals after their 4-1 victory over Stevenson University. Their opening round victory came on the road, Thursday, April 1, in an upset, knocking off the second overall seed. Sophomore goalie Franny Gerardi (Yonkers, N.Y./Selects Academy) played outstanding in the win, saving 32 of 33 shots.
The Valiants (4-4) took the lead early and never relinquished it. They scored two first period goals to take control of the game. The first came from sophomore forward Hannah Beckman (North Plainfield, N.J./Rice Memorial Prep (Vt.)) who was assisted by senior forward Taylor Ham (Saugerties, N.Y./Millbrook School). Then, with 1:41 remaining in the first, Manhattanville struck again. Senior forward Tianna Lopes (West Vancouver, British Columbia/Pacific Steelers (JWHL)) put one past in the opposing goalkeeper to take the 2-0 lead. Freshman forward Grace Felicio (Holden, Mass./Wachusett Regional) was credited with the assist on the goal.
The Crimson and White carried their momentum into the second period and they scored again just five minutes into the action. Junior defender Tia Martignetti (Wilmington, Mass./Boston Junior Eagles (EHF)) scored the first goal of her career and was assisted by Lopes and sophomore forward Morgan Miller (St. Augustine, Fla./Gilmour Academy). The Mustangs (9-4) did not have an answer through the first two periods and the score was 3-0 headed into the final period of play.
Stevenson finally got on the board midway through the third period. Their lone goal came on the power play and cut the lead to two with just under 10 minutes remaining in the game. The Valiants held strong through the last half of the period and put the game away for good when senior forward Adelle Clark (Lantzville, B.C./Ontario Hockey Academy) tallied an empty net goal.
Four different Valiants scored in the win and Gerardi carried the team to a win despite being outshot 33-28. Manhattanville will return to action, Saturday, April 3 in the UCHC semifinal round. The time of the game and their opponent is still to be determined.
