Seahawks post second straight shutout, win 4-0 over Pilgrims

HENNIKER, N.H.—The New England College women's ice hockey team suffered a 4-0 loss to the Seahawks of Salve Regina University on Saturday afternoon in ECAC East action.

With the loss, the Pilgrims fall to 1-21-1 and 1-13-1 in ECAC action, while the win boosts the Seahawks to 14-7-1 overall and 12-3-0 in league play.

Salve Regina's sophomore goaltender Colleen Marcik (Madison, Conn.) tallied 28 saves in the shutout win.

The Seahawks opened scoring early in the first period, as Cheyenne Boyd (Phoenix, Ariz.) stuffed home a rebound shot by Briana D'Avolio (Reading, Mass.) 3:05 into the game to take the 1-0 advantage.

NEC had three power-play opportunities between Seahawk goals and even had a two-skater advantage early in the second period, but the Pilgrims were unable to capitalize.

After over 30 minutes of scoreless play, Salve Regina added a second tally in the 17^th minute of the second period on an unassisted score by Taylor Shepherd (Qunicy, Mass.). Shepherd picked the puck off of an NEC stick and shot top-shelf past NEC goaltender Lauren Hopps (Green Bay, Wisc.).

Three minutes and 12 seconds later the Seahawks capitalized on their first power-play opportunity, as Kimberly Spring (Kensington, Conn.) poked in a shot, assisted by Danielle Phalon (Stoneham, Mass.) and Grace Nardiello (Lake Placid, N.Y.).

Just over three minutes into the third period, Salve Regina netted their final goal of game. Sarah Markey (Ashland, Mass.) scored, while Shepherd and Phalon were credited with assists.

Hopps totaled 35 saves in net as the Seahawks outshot the Pilgrims 39-28 on the game. The Seahawks finished two-for-three on power play opportunities, while the Pilgrims were scoreless in five extra-skater scenarios.

Prior to the game, NEC recognized four seniors playing in their final home game—Hopps, Marisa Roth (Burlington, Mass.), Aubrey Fischer (Syracuse, N.Y.), and Ashley Bonner (Ridgefield, Conn.).

The Pilgrims wrap up the season next weekend on the road, traveling to the University of New England on Friday for a 7:00 p.m. game and then taking on Castleton on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. The Seahawks travel to face Saint Anselm on Friday February 20 at 4:00 p.m.