Two Powerplay Goals Propel Women’s Ice Hockey over Curry for First CCC Win in Program History

MILTON, Mass. (November 5, 2021)- The Western New England women's ice hockey team netted two power play goals on their way to a 2-1 victory over the hosting Curry College Colonels on Friday night. WNE takes their first ever conference win in program history with tonight's victory. 

Records:

• Western New England: 3-0 (1-0 CCC)
• Curry College: 0-3 (0-1 CCC)

How it Happened:

The Golden Bears found themselves being outshot early in the game as the Colonels were able to put shots against Rieley Jessie-Gerelli, though Jessie-Gerelli was up to the task making multiple saves in the first five minutes of the game. Western New England's defense would stand tall and draw the game's first penalty to get the Golden Bears a power play chance. After a faceoff win from Abby Hay, the Golden Bears would work a cycle as Brie Dube sent the puck over to Alyssa Murphy who found Natalie Parker who ripped a shot into the back of the net to give WNE the 1-0 lead. Parker grabs her first with the Golden Bears.

With just less than two minutes in the first period, a response from Curry College would even the score at one. Paige Rodrigues and Ashley Printzen would set up Ali Olorenshaw for the Colonels first goal of the game. Curry would shoot 18 times towards goal in the first period, forcing Jessie-Gerelli to come away with 17 first period saves. 

WNE would score again at the midway mark of the period to grab their second goal of the game. After a shot attempt from Kelly Yorkey, the Golden Bears would seize a chance on the powerplay to light the lamp for WNE. Alyssa Murphy would rip a tally to put the Golden Bears ahead 2-1. Western New England would again be outshot by Curry in the second period 13-5, though Jessie-Gerelli made all 13 saves in the period. 

Both teams would battle in the third period, though no goals were put on the board and the Golden Bears would take the 2-1 win over Curry for the team's first CCC win in program history. Jessie-Gerelli would make all ten saves in the third period to shut the door on the Colonels.

Inside the Crease: 

• Alyssa Murphy's second goal of her career brought the Golden Bears to a 2-1 win over Curry College. Murphy also collected an assist on the game's first goal to come away with two points on the night. 
• Abby Hay, Natalie Parker, and Kelly Yorkey were all a +2 in the win for WNE. The Golden Bears won 22 faceoffs in the win. 
• Rieley Jessie-Gerelli made 40 saves on 41 shot attempts in the win. Jessie-Gerelli has made 61 saves through two games this season. 

Up Next on the Schedule: 

• Both WNE and Curry will meet again tomorrow night as they travel to West Springfield and Olympia Ice Arena for a matchup on Saturday at 7:00 pm.