No.5 Colonels move on to CCC semifinal, trump No.4 Seahawks

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (Wednesday, February 21, 2024)--In a game where all of the action was drawn from the third and fourth periods, No.4 Salve Regina women's ice hockey fell 3-0 to the No.5 Curry College Colonels in the first round of the CCC postseason tournament. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Salve Regina 0, Curry 3
Records: Salve Regina (11-12-3), Curry (10-11-5)
Last Contest: On Friday, February 2, Salve Regina was bested by Curry 6-1. However, earlier in the season the Seahawks defeated the Colonels 2-1 on December 2, 2023, and 4-0 the following day. 

BREAKDOWN: 

Salve Regina and Curry played an even match for the first 20 minutes of action. The Colonels initially outshot the Seahawks by four, 13-9 in the first period. Four minutes into the second period Curry's Katie Courteau attempted a shot from the blue line. After a scramble in front of the net Ali Olorenshaw poked it in resulting in a 1-0 advantage for Curry. 

The Colonels took advantage of a power play opportunity when the Seahawks were called for hooking and Julia Small made it to the net, increasing Curry's lead to 2-0 at 15:39 into the second period. In an effort to get on the board the Seahawks added a sixth skater to the ice and ushered Sydney Baxter from the net with 17:36 gone in the final period. The Seahawks successfully kept the puck in their attack zone for a minute, however Curry's Ella Altiman got possession and scored from just off center ice. The day ended as a 3-0 shutout for the Colonels. 

THOUGHTS FROM COACH LUN: 

"The postseason was a big step for us. We held on for a bit, but at the end of the day we accomplished a goal of ours, making postseason play. It means we're keeping pace and continuing to move the needle in the right direction. Proud of the group and the progress we've made." -- Head coach David Lun.

ON THE HORIZON: 

The Seahawks end the 2023-24 season with an overall record of 11-12-3 and 8-9-1 in the CCC. Salve Regina improves from their 2022-23 finish of 11-14 overall and 6-12 in the conference. Beginning with the 2024-25 season the team will compete in the New England Hockey Conference and will face a new field of competitors. Curry will take on No. 1 Endicott College on Saturday, February 24.