MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – Freshman
Jorja Moore (Penticton, British Columbia) made 31 saves to register her first career shutout as Plymouth State University blanked Salve Regina University, 3-0, in non-conference women's ice hockey action at Howard Rink on Monday night.
Junior
Grace Bonnell (Madison, Wis.) gave the Panthers an early lead just six minutes into the opening frame. Freshman
Sofia Cuozzo (Guilford, Conn.) doubled the margin midway through the second and junior
Laura Castronova (Hauppauge, N.Y.) pushed the lead to 3-0 late in the period.
The three-goal margin was more than enough for Moore, who turned aside 26 shots through the first two periods alone. Plymouth State allowed just five shots on goal in the final period, as Moore sealed the shutout.
Plymouth State improves to 6-7-0, while the Seahawks go to 7-9-0.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 3, Salve Regina 0
- Plymouth State (6-7-0)
- Salve Regina (7-9-0)
How it Happened:
- Bonnell scored for the third time in five games to set an early tone. A loose puck found her stick alone in the slot at the 6:00 mark during 4-on-4 action, and she whipped a shot to the top left corner for a 1-0 lead.
- The Seahawks registered 12 shots and earned a pair of power play chances in the frame, but Moore stood tall.
- The Panthers doubled the lead midway through the second period. Freshman Cera Luciani (Ruskin, Fla.) slid a pass from the right half wall to Cuozzo, who had slipped behind the defender, and Cuozzo beat the Salve Regina goalie to the glove side.
- Junior Emily Gerrie (Littleton, Colo.) took the puck in the defensive zone and skated up ice to the left side before sending a cross-ice pass to Castronova, who whipped a quick shot inside the left post to extend the lead to 3-0 with 3:09 left in the stanza.
- Moore denied Salve Regina on another power play in the second, making 14 more saves as the Panthers carried the three-goal lead into the third.
- Things slowed down in the final 20 minutes, with Moore and the PSU defense closing out the shutout to sweep the season series against the Seahawks.
By the Numbers:
- Moore finished with 31 saves to record her first collegiate shutout and first career win. She has made 30-plus saves in all three of her starts this season.
- Bonnell's tally was her third of the season. All three have come in the last five games, a span in which she has totaled seven points.
- Cuozzo and Castronova potted their fourth goals of the year. The two are tied with senior Katie Porrello (Milford, Conn.) for the team lead.
- Luciani, Gerrie and freshman Amelia Spencer (Lynn, Mass.) tallied assists.
- Porrello logged a team-high three blocked shots.
- Plymouth State controlled the faceoff circle, winning 31-of-53 (58.5%). The Panthers went 0-for-4 on the power play, while holding Salve Regina to 0-for-3.
- The Seahawks held a 31-19 advantage in shots.
- Salve Regina leads the all-time series, 13-6, but Plymouth State has won each of the last six meetings.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State hosts Anna Maria in non-conference action on Friday (Jan. 16) at 6 p.m.
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