UTICA, N.Y. -- The No. 3-nationally ranked Elmira College women's ice hockey rebounded from a tough United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) result on Friday evening with a 7-0 thrashing of Utica College on Saturday afternoon at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York.
With the victory, Elmira improved to 4-1-0 (4-1-0 UCHC), while Utica moved to 3-3 overall with a 3-2 mark in conference play.
The Soaring Eagles dominated Saturday's proceedings, ending the contest with a 39-to-19 advantage in shots on goal. EC maintained its puck possession with consistent wins in the face-off circle all afternoon, as the Purple and Gold won 36 draw attempts compared to 30 by the Pioneers.
Junior forward
Jess Adams '21 led the way for the Soaring Eagles on Saturday, registering the first hat-trick of her career against the Pioneers. The Holliston, Massachusetts, native netted the eventual game-winner to open the contest before scoring a pair of goals in the third period to complete her three-point afternoon.
Following Adams' opening tally, EC cashed in on a powerplay chance with a little under 12 minutes left to play in the first period.
Tristen Tolan '21 potted her fourth goal of the season after combining with
Amanda Zenstein '22 and
Kiana Melvin '20 to give Elmira a 2-0 lead.
Utica settled in defensively, as Utica's Bria Reilly kept the Purple and Gold off of the board for the remainder of the period. Despite the Pioneers' best efforts, the Soaring Eagles were not to be denied in the second frame. With 2:35 left to play in the stanza, first-year talent
Holley Riva '23 continued her scorching start to her collegiate career with her fifth goal of the campaign.
Mary McCafferty '22 and
Devyn Gilman '21 registered assists on Riva's marker.
With an iron grip on the contest heading into the third period, the Purple and Gold kept their foot on the gas to put the game out of reach. After Adams rounded out her hat-trick with the first two goals of the period,
Kelly Millins '23 netted the first goal of her career off a pair of quick passes from
Jordan Holt '23 and
Ariella Haas '22.
Emma Crocker '21 rounded out the scoring with a solo effort with just under 10 minutes left to play.
In His Own Words…
Head Coach
Tim Crowley on the team's bounce-back performance…
"We were able to have everyone compete today and respond after a tough one yesterday. We finished our opportunities and played well this afternoon."
News and Notes
- Elmira improved to 4-1-0 (4-1-0 UCHC) with today's win.
- The Soaring Eagles have now won their last seven meetings against the Pioneers.
- EC outshot Utica, 39-to-19.
- Adams registered the first hat-trick of her career.
- Millins scored the first goal of her collegiate career.
- McCafferty's assist was her first of the season.
- With two assists, Gilman has produced multi-point performances in all but one game this season.
- Riva is tied for second among UCHC freshman with a 1.20 points-per-game average.
- With her seventh assist of the season, Melvin leads all UCHC blueliners with eight points (1g-7a).
Up Next
The Soaring Eagles head west to close out the holiday break on Friday, November 29, when they trek to Lake Forest, Illinois, to take on the Foresters of Lake Forest College. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. (EST).
