Women's Ice Shuts Out Anna Maria in First Game in Program History

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (October 29, 2021) – The Western New England women's ice hockey team kicked off their inaugural season at the Olympia Ice Center hosting Anna Maria College where the Golden Bears showed their stuff defeating the AMCATs 4-0 in their first win in program history.

Records:

• Western New England: 1-0
• Anna Maria: 0-1

How It Happened:

The Golden Bears started strong off the jump firing shots at the goal. At the 5:34 mark, Western New England notched their first ever goal with Natalie Parker finding the back of the net after a scramble in front of the net where Abby Hay was able to get Parker the puck to score. Anna Maria came back strong in the final five minutes of the period not letting up while Rieley Jessie-Gerelli defended the net for five shots in the first period.

Western New England upped their game in the second period earning their first powerplay. At 12:47 the Golden Bears connected with Kelly Yorkey sending a shot past the goalie off a pass from Parker. Just under seven minutes later, the Golden Bears struck again on another powerplay this time Hay was able to score off a pass from Alyssa Murphy for Hay to earn her first goal and Murphy to notch her first assist. Anna Maria continued to push in the second period firing away at Jessie-Gerelli who defended against 17 shots.

Murphy scored the final goal for the Golden Bears off a Hay pass. Hay sent the puck in front of the net for Murphy to redirect into the net. Western New England shut out the AMCATs in their first game in program history to earn a dominating 4-0 win.

Inside the Numbers:

• Parker made Western New England history earning the first ever goal for the women's ice hockey program while Hall notched the first ever assist.
• Jessie-Gerelli earned her first career shut out and win with 21 saves in the net.
• Allison Walker went 9-for-22 in faceoffs while Emma Birmingham was 4-for-14 and Hay went 10-for-18.
• Murphy, Yorkey, Hay and Parker all recorded their first career goals this evening with Hay notching two assists and Murphy and Parker earning one each.

Up Next:

The Golden Bears hit the road tomorrow, Saturday October 30^th, to Worcester to face off with the AMCATs on their home ice with a 6 p.m. puck drop.