The Plattsburgh State women’s hockey team hoisted up the NEWHL trophy after a 5-0 victory over Cortland on Saturday.
The victory earns the team an automatic spot in the NCAA tournament.
The game also became senior goalie Kassi Abbott’s 13th shutout game of the season.
PSUC Head Coach Kevin Houle said, “She made the saves when she needed to make the saves, and we played pretty well out there.”
The final game of the NEWHL tournament started eventful for the Cardinals, with Erin McArdle scoring during the first power play of the game, assisted by Annie Katonka and Courtney Moriarty.
Freshman Hanna Rose put the puck in the net for the next goal, assisted by Katonka and Abby Brush.
After senior Moriarty scored the third goal of the night, Coach Houle said, “We pretty much had the game in hand.”
Annie Katonka scored the fourth goal of the night, with assists from Courtney Moriarty and Emma Killeen.
The third period gave the Cardinals two more power plays, each increasing their chance of another win.
Taylor Whitney got the fifth and final goal, with assists from Mackenzie Millen and Erin McArdle.
The girls go on to the NCAA playoffs, and Houle says, “We are excited to find out who we play and get prepared.”
Senior Mackenzie Millen is “just happy we get to play another game,” and Kassi Abbott said: “I’m just happy I get to put my jersey on with my fellow seniors. Who wouldn’t want that, no matter what the title is.”
Millen and Abbott’s advice for the incoming freshmen to the team was to “keep the culture of this team going because it’s a great culture and a great program,” and “don’t take it for granted, play like a senior every day.”
This season marks Plattsburgh Women’s team’s 16th season coached by Kevin Houle, and their second NEWHL tournament. “A big part of our success as a team is our players.”
The first game of the NCAA tournament is Wednesday against Endicott College, at the Ronald B. Stafford Arena.
