Photo Courtesy of Josh McKee
Women’s hockey spent their Thanksgiving break puck-handling instead of turkey-stuffing, and the results were impressive. After splitting their season-opening weekend with the Williams Ephs the women took on two more opponents in tight games against Morrisville State on Tuesday, Nov. 20 and Utica College on Sunday, Nov. 25.
The Continentals split the week 1–1, defeating Morrisville 2–1 on Tuesday, but dropping the game to cross-town rival Utica 3–2 on Sunday. In the second period against Morrisville, Nancy Loh ’22 notched her first career goal and gave the Continentals the 1–0 lead. Michaela Giuttari ’20 added to the board in the third with the game winner and her second goal of the season. The Continentals went on to win 2–1, with Sammy Johnson ’20 in goal making 23 saves on 24 shots.
The matchup against Utica was entertaining to say the least, as the teams traded goals early in the second to start off the scoring. Utica claimed the 1–0 lead around a minute into the period, but under five minutes later the Continentals’ Lexi Takashima ’22 responded to tie the game at 1–1. After sustained pressure in the Pioneers defensive end, Takashima received a pass from her defensive-partner, Alayna Trice ’20, and lofted a shot that beat the Utica goalie with traffic in front.
Four minutes later, the Continentals took advantage of Utica’s physical play, which earned them a 2-minute penalty, and scored a powerplay goal about ten minutes into the second. Defenseman Taegan Blackwell ’19 dished the puck across the blue line to Kelli Mackey ’20, who wristed a shot past the Utica defender to claim the 2–1 lead.
After consistent pressure in their own offensive end, Utica put one past Hamilton goaltender Sydney Molar ’22 to tie the game at 2 apiece with 7:31 left to play in the second. Although the Continentals put good pressure on Utica for the rest of the period, they were unable to convert.
Unfortunately, that seemed to be the way for the Continentals as they had numerous opportunities in the third period but were unable to capitalize. Eight minutes into the period, Utica scored the game winner to make the score 3–2. Two great opportunities for the Continentals came off tips in front, but the puck trickled just wide of the net as time ran out.
Junior goaltender Johnson noted the team’s frustration after the game: “We really got buzzing in the third period and kept it down their end the whole time, so there was a realization that we should have found that energy in the first period to put them away early.”
Despite the loss, the Continentals can take their energy from the two non-league matchups into their NESCAC games as they travel to Colby College in Maine this weekend. Johnson says the team’s spirits and expectations for he season are still high. “We have the most talented squad I’ve seen throughout my time here so far,” she said, “and one of the most hardworking and determined. Possibilities are endless for us this season, as long as we can match all the work we put into the off season into this time as well. We set ourselves up for success so we’re shooting for the stars.” She says their ultimate goal is to be NESCACChampions.
The Continentals take on the Mules at 7PM on Friday, Nov. 30 and at 3PM on Saturday Dec. 1 at Colby in Waterville, ME. The games will be live-streamed via the New England Sports Network, with links found on the NESCAC website.
