Plymouth State (5-17-4) gave up three power-play goals and their offensive attack was shutdown, mustering only three shots, and shutout in their 6-0 loss to top-seeded Norwich Univeristy (20-3-3) in the first round of ECAC Women’s East Conference tournament.
The Panthers were unable to get a shot on net in the first 20 minutes of play, and the first period was all Norwich. The Cadets fired 15 shots on net and kept the pressure on junior goalie Ali Ponte (Richmond Hill, Ont.) throughout the first frame. Penalties had the Panthers short-handed early and Jillayne DeBus amd Tyne Gove were both able to capitalize, scoring two power-play goals in the period. Tori Charron added another goal to put Norwich up 3-0 to end the first, and Plymouth wouldn’t be able to fight back from the early deficit.
The second period saw Norwich put another two goals on the scoreboard, this time from Meghan Papagano and another from Charron. Norwich never took their foot off the gas, firing 23 shots on net in the third period. DeBus added her second goal of the game on the power-play in the final frame to make it a 6-0 game. It would end that way, and the final horn signaled not only the end of the game, but the end of the Panther’s season as well.
The Plymouth State Women’s Ice Hockey team turned in a forgettable performance, but that shouldn’t overshadow what turned into an unforgettable season. This was the most successful season in the seven-year history of the Women’s Ice Hockey program. They finished with a program-best five wins, their post-season-clinching 2-1 overtime victory at UMass Boston being the most memorable, and a program-best four ties. Head Coach Ashley Kilstein was voted by her peers as ECAC Women’s East Coach of the Year, as well. With the team only graduating one senior this year, this season can be looked at as a solid foundation for next year.