Golden, Chernisky propel Seahawks past Southern Maine, 2-0

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. - Junior Molly Golden (Milton, Mass.) and sophomore Drew Chernisky (Valley View, Ohio) scored goals and sophomore Rebecca Simmons (Averill Park, N.Y.) made 31 saves to lead the Salve Regina University women's ice hockey team to a 2-0 win over Southern Maine in Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) action Saturday night at St. George's Rink.

The win extends the Seahawks unbeaten streak to six games (5-0-1) and their shutout streak to 187:30. The last goal Salve Regina allowed was late in the third period of a 1-1 tie with Saint Anselm on Nov. 21. The loss dropped the Huskies to 2-7-1 (2-6-0 ECAC).

Chernisky scored the only goal the Seahawks would need at 12:53 of the second period. She intercepted a clearing pass by the Huskies at the blue line, skated into the slot and fired a wrist shot that beat Southern Maine freshman goalie Molly Passerini (Wakefield, Mass.) inside the left post.

Golden doubled the lead with a power-play marker at 10:51 of the third period. Freshman Sarah McCusker (Havertown, Pa.) slid a pass to classmate Rachel Porter (Franklin, Mass.) at the right point, who then threw the puck towards the net that was stopped by Passerini. Golden swiped home the rebound for her team-leading sixth goal of the season.

Simmons closed the door from there, making 16 of her saves in the third period, including a sliding right pad save on a one-time shot off the stick of sophomore Jana Sacco (Niagara Falls, Ontario) with 13 minutes remaining. Earlier, she made a pair of saves on sophomore Danielle Ward (Lansing, Mich.) to keep the game scoreless.

Passerini was equally solid for Southern Maine, finishing with 26 saves, three of which came early in the third period as Golden, Porter, and freshman Caitlyn Farragher (Plymouth, Mass.) were each denied on solid scoring opportunities.

"Danielle Ward gave us a lot of problems tonight. She made some nice plays and had six or seven great chances," said Seahawk head coach Michael Cox. "They have a lot of good players on their team, and their record does not indicate how good they are. They have played a tough schedule so far, and we consider them one of the contenders in our league, so it's nice to be successful against them. We haven't give up a goal in three games now. Our goaltending has been superb, and our team defense has been very good."

The Seahawks return to action on January 8 when they travel to Norwich for a 6 p.m. contest. The Huskies host Sacred Heart January 7 at 4 p.m.