The women’s hockey team (2–3 overall, 1–3 NESCAC) is off to a solid start through their first few weeks of competition. The team kicked off the season with a doubleheader against NESCAC opponents Amherst College (2–2–2, 1–2–1 NESCAC) on Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16.
During the first game, Amherst players made seven total shots on Hamilton’s goal before scoring their first goal around halfway through the first period. About two minutes into the second period, Amherst scored again and made the score 0–2.
The Continentals responded with a three-goal run, precipitated by a shot on Amherst’s goal by Missy Segall ’21 that rebounded and was then hit into the net by Jess Haviland ’21.
Hamilton earned two goals in the third period, courtesy of Kate Piacenza ’21 and Maddie Hong ’23 (assisted by Nancy Loh ’22 and Mya Berretta ’22), respectively, to win the game 3–2.
The second game against Amherst the following day ended in a 4–3 loss. Abby Kuhns ’23 scored her first career goal during the first period. Kuhns is currently fourth in the NESCAC in total points scored with five.
Her goal was followed by one from Amherst almost halfway through the second period. The remaining goals for each team were all scored in the third period, with Amherst’s last two within the final seven minutes.
Hamilton’s other two scorers were Berretta and Loh. Goalie Gab Venne ’22, made a total of 53 saves over these two hard-fought matches against the Mammoths.
The team traveled the following weekend for another tough NESCAC matchup against Williams College (2–2–0 overall, 2–2 NESCAC). The Ephs defeated the Continentals in both games, 5–1 and 3–1. Hamilton’s two goals were scored by Piacenza and Loh, but Hamilton’s strong effort was not enough for the defending NESCAC Champions.
The Continentals returned to Hamilton’s Russell Sage Rink for a final competition before Thanksgiving break against SUNY Morrisville on Tuesday, Nov. 26. They dominated with a 6–0 win. Five players — Kuhns, Segall, Piacenza, Loh and Michaela Giuttari ’20 — are credited with multiple points.
Hyla Mosher ’23 made the first goal of her college career assisted by two other first-year teammates, Tracey Stafford ’23 and Allie Curry ’23. It was a very solid win for the team’s home opener as they prepare to travel once again for their next four matches.
The women’s hockey team is looking to build on their great success of last season, where they ended the season with a 9–5–2 NESCAC record and ended up losing to Middlebury College in the NESCAC Championship semifinal.
Women’s hockey has retained most of their key contributors from the 2018–19 season in addition to the deep roster of upperclassmen leadership. The team has clearly gained some crucial talent in their eight first-year players as well. The Continentals’ next home game is on Tuesday, Jan. 7, in Russell Sage Rink against Nazareth College at 3:00 PM.
