Box Score Van Wormer with big game for Panthers
PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Saint Michael's College
women's hockey team scored a season-best seven goals Saturday
afternoon as the Purple Knights knocked off Plymouth State
University, 7-3, at Cairns Arena.
Juniors Kiera Nelligan and Madelena Santore led the way for Saint
Michael's, as Nelligan had two goals and an assist and
Santore netted a goal with three helpers.
Junior Abby Van Wormer (Marstons Mills, Mass.) led
the way for the Panthers with two goals and one assist. Freshman
Jamie O'Brien (Chelmsford, Mass.) also
tallied a goal for PSU.
The Panthers took a quick lead when O'Brien scored a power
play goal on a rebound from Van Wormer. Saint Michael's had
an answer with its own power play goal two minutes later by senior
Emily Paquin, who flipped a wrist shot from the
top of the left circle to tie things at 1-1 after one period.
The Purple Knights (4-15-2, 3-9-2 ECAC East) exploded for five
goals in the second period to take a commanding lead. Senior Meg
Guarente netted her first goal of the season on a putback in the
right corner of the crease after a saved slapshot by senior Kaleigh
Ferrari. Nelligan then strung together back-to-back goals to widen
the gap to 4-1. Nelligan's first tally was a rebound on a
scramble for the puck after sophomore Allison Graf
pasted a slapshot off the glove of Plymouth freshman goalie
Ali Ponte (Richmond Hill, Ontario).
Nelligan's second lamp lighter came off another rebound, this
time assisted by Santore and junior Kelly McDonald.
Van Wormer countered with her first of two goals on the day, but
sophomore Melissa Hallisey answered back just as quickly with a
mop-up goal after a backhand shot by freshman Macey Thomas
scattered away from the goalie. McDonald and Santore then hooked up
for the last goal of the period on a 2-on-1 breakaway. Santore
blazed down the left wing and hung on the puck just long enough to
make Ponte commit before passing off to McDonald for the easy
score. After accumulating three assists, Santore finally
deposited a goal of her own on a breakaway in the third period.
Saint Michael's senior goalie Alysia Goldman made 34 saves
for the Purple Knights, who held a slim 41-37 shot advantage
despite the wide margin of victory. For Plymouth, Ponte also made
34 saves.
PSU plays a make-up game on Monday at Norwich, while the Purple
Knights return to action next Friday when they travel to UMass
Boston.
(Courtesy of Saint Michael's Sports
Information)
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