Simmons stops 21 shots as Seahawks blank Southern Maine, 2-0

GORHAM, Maine - Junior goalie Rebecca Simmons (Averill Park, N.Y.) stopped 21 shots and senior Danika Williams (Fairbanks, Alaska) had a goal and an assist as Salve Regina University defeated the University of Southern Maine, 2-0, in an ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) Women's East game Friday at the USM Ice Arena.

The win snapped a two-game losing skid for the Seahawks, and improved their record to 3-5-0 overall and 3-3-0 in league play. The Huskies, winless since their season-opening victory over Plymouth State University, slipped to 1-5-1 overall and 1-4-1 in the league.

Simmons picked up her first shutout of the season, and the seventh of her career, by stopping every USM shot she faced.

Sophomore Rachel Porter (Franklin, Mass.) scored what proved to be the game-winning goal midway through the second period. Porter's shot from 40 feet out found its way through a screen and past USM rookie goaltender Jordan Lee (Colorado Springs, Colo.) for her third goal of the season. Williams picked up the lone assist on the power-play marker.

Williams added an insurance goal at 4:46 of the third period potting the rebound of her initial shot. Freshman Erin McCullough (Ludlow, Mass.) and senior Kendra Andrie (Muskegon, Mich.) earned the assists.

Lee continued her solid play in the Huskies' goal registering 15 saves.

Southern Maine is back in action Saturday afternoon (1:00 p.m.) when it hosts Holy Cross. Salve Regina journeys to Plymouth State on Saturday (3:00 p.m.).

(Courtesy of Southern Maine sports information)