The Plattsburgh State women’s hockey team is no stranger to success, and their 4-0 start to the season is a testament to that. The fashion in which they win can be summed up in one word: dominant.
This past Sunday, the Cards put up a stunning nine goals in their 9-1 victory against their ECAC competitors in Neumann University. Despite Neumann striking the first blow in the first period, PSUC was able to string together an unbelievable three goals in four minutes. In the blink of an
eye, the Cards had managed to turn the tables on Neumann, leading 3-1 at the end of the first.
From this point on the Cards would be relentless in their scoring ventures as eight different players scored goals.
Prior to this game, PSUC blew out Neumann 8-0 on Saturday and did not change any part of their game going into Sunday. Both coaches and players were proud of the effort put forth by all.
“It was just a really good effort from everyone,” Assistant coach Danielle Blanchard said. “Everything’s looking like it’s coming together.”
From the incoming freshmen to the crafty veterans, everyone was put in the game during this Sundays match.
Junior forward, Jordan Lipson, was able to score her first goal of the season, which gave the Cards a 4-1 lead during the second period.
“It felt good to help my team out.” Lipson said. “It was nice to be able to put us up by that much more.”
The whole team has been effective throughout these past weeks play and it stems from the competition that takes place in practice. Head coach Kevin Houle feels it is important to always keep the competition alive, especially in practice, to keep his players ready for game like situations.
“It helps us develop our younger players,” Houle said. “They get a sense of what real game like situations feels like.”
One of the underclassmen that has stepped up to the competition and pressure of playing on the highly distinguished Plattsburgh women’s hockey team is freshmen, Courtney Moriarty. Thus far, the rookie has produced two goals as well as two assists to provide support for the Cards.
“I’m just playing my game,” Moriarty said. “I’m not trying to change anything but if the goals keep coming I’m not going to complain.”
Looking forward, the Cards have a two game road trip in which they will play the likes of Chatham University in a doubleheader. One of the struggles that comes with playing in the elite ECAC conference is long road trips to Pittsburgh such as this one.
“It’s tough to get off a long bus ride and still go about business as usual,” Blanchard said. “It takes you out of your element a little.”
Despite the long trip the Cards will look to continue their dominance of opponents and take it one game at a time.
They are not looking forward to any competition that they think will be tough due to the fact that they do not want to overlook any team.
This is the mindset that has made them the highly praised program that they are.
Email Kevin Morley at kevin.morley@cardinal pointsonline.com
