PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Graduate student
Lauren McNeil (Ottawa, Ontario) potted an early power play goal, but the University of Southern Maine followed with five unanswered tallies to topple Plymouth State University, 5-1, in non-conference women's ice hockey action at Hanaway Rink on Saturday afternoon.
Back on the ice for the first time in a month, the Panthers scored on a power play chance just 2:31 into the contest. Plymouth State had ample opportunities to extend the lead as USM racked up seven penalties in the stanza, but the Huskies were able to keep the deficit at one.
USM scored a pair of power play goals in the second to leapfrog into the lead, then tacked on three third-period markers to secure the victory.
PSU slips to 6-4-0, while the Huskies go to 6-6-2.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 1, Southern Maine 5
- Plymouth State (6-4-0)
- Southern Maine (6-6-2)
How it Happened:
- Plymouth State cashed in on a power play opportunity to snag an early lead when McNeil blasted a one-timer from the top of the left circle to the top left corner just 2:31 into the game.
- The Panthers had a golden chance to extend the lead during an extended 5-on-3 late in the period, but Southern Maine was able to kill off three overlapping penalties and the score remained 1-0 into the first intermission.
- USM pulled even on its first power play chance of the game when a shot from the right circle was tipped in front at the 5:14 mark of the period, then jumped into the lead just over two minutes later with another power play strike.
- PSU's penalty kill unit did a superb job to keep the Huskies from extending the lead during two more power play chances, which included an abbreviated 5-on-3, as USM went into the intermission with the 2-1 advantage.
- The Huskies scored the game's first even strength goal early in the third period to make it 3-1 and the visitors added a pair of insurance tallies to lock up the win.
By the Numbers:
- McNeil's tally was her second of the year and sixth of her career.
- Graduate student Carsen Moffett (Kamloops, British Columbia) and junior Katie Porrello (Milford, Conn.) picked up assists.
- Porrello (six goals, three assists) and McNeil (two goals, seven assists) are tied for the team lead with nine points apiece.
- Sophomore Karlee Lehner (Prince Albert, Saskatchewan) made 28 saves in the setback.
- Senior Emily DeSimone (Norwood, Mass.) was outstanding on the draw, winning 9-of-11 faceoffs.
- PSU finished 1-for-6 on the power play, while the Huskies converted 3-of-7 chances.
- The Panthers blocked nine shots.
- USM has won each of the last eight meetings.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State stays at home to host MCLA in a MASCAC clash on Friday (Jan. 10). Puck drop is set for 6:00 p.m.
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