Feb. 17, 2008
Box Score
Utica, NY -
Box Score
The Neumann College Women's Ice Hockey team travelled to Utica, NY to take on the 10th ranked team in the country and conference rival, Utica Pioneers. Going into the game Head Coach Matt Kennedy knew the game was going to be a challenge and competitive. Kennedy stated, "The Utica game will be an opportunity for us to benchmark ourselves against one of the league's better teams late in the season." The Knights now know what they need to do to become of those top four teams as they fell to the Pioneers 4-0.
Outshot 20-2 in the first period the Knights gave up three goals as well. The stellar goaltending of freshmen phenom Mel Brunet could not prevent the Pioneers from putting shots on the net and somehow three of those shots slipped in. Playing down a man the Knights gave up the first goal to Utica senior Kelly Bills. This was followed by the second goal scored by Andrea Maxon. The damage was over when Utica's junior captain Jessica Leclerc put the third goal into the net right before the first period ended.
The second period saw the Knights come out with more energy and conviction outshooting the Pioneers 10-6. But Utica's goaltender and defense were able to shut down the Knights' attacks. The Knights had three chances to score on power plays in the second but could not capitalize. While the Knights could not take advantage of their chances the Pioneers tallied their fourth goal of the game on a breakaway goal scored by Utica's Krystal Cummings.
The third stanza was a defensive slugfest as both teams settled down into a tight, steady play. The Pioneers kept their attacking offense on pace outshooting the Knights 13-5. While the Knights countered with better defensive presence and short quick offensive attacks.
Neumann falls to 9-10-3 overall and 6-6-1 in conference play while Utica College improves to 16-8 overall and 11-4 in conference play. The two teams will square off again on Sunday February 17, 2008 at 2 p.m. to conclude the series. Coach Kennedy summed up the mood by saying, "We came out flat today. Mel Brunet kept the game respectable but we can't rely just on Mel. We need to come out at the start of the game ready to compete and attack. When we bring that mindset we do very well." The Knights hope to bring that mindset to the second game of the series.
