Jessie-Gerelli Blanks Seahawks, Pope Wins it in Overtime

Newport, R.I. (January 13, 2023) - The Golden Bears traveled to Newport, R.I. on Friday night to open up the 2023 portion of their conference schedule. With the team coming off a big win against New England College, they looked to keep the good times rolling. Maddie Pope made sure of that with an overtime goal to give WNE a 1-0 win against the Seahawks of Salve Regina.

Records:

• Western New England: 9-3-2 (5-3-2)
• Salve Regina University: 6-8-0 (1-7-0)

How it Happened:

The first period started with a Jennifer Rickard faceoff win for Salve Regina. The Seahawks would get the first shot on net, but WNE's Rieley Jessie-Gerelli made the save. Then, the Golden Bears made their move and got three shots on SRU's Ellee Kopecky. Both teams were quick to put shots on net, but there was a feeling that both teams were trying to get a feeling for the other before making a true move. WNE would draw the first penalty of the game when SRU's player was called for tripping. On the power play, WNE got two shots on net, but Kopecky was there to save both shots. Both teams were able to get more shots off down the stretch of the period, but neither team could muster a goal, and the period would end without a goal being scored. Each goalie made 12 saves in the period.

The second period started similarly to the first, with Rickard winning the opening faceoff. 6:03 into the second period, the Golden Bears saw their first major goal opportunity. Maggie Holt found the puck and skated down on a breakaway, but Kopecky made a big-time save and kept the score level at zero. Again, at 7:42 left in the second period, Holt had another breakaway opportunity, but again, Kopecky made a great save and denied the Golden Bears the leading goal. WNE kept their foot on the pedal and put more pressure on the Seahawks as the period inched toward a close and Zoe Galanoudis had an opportunity right in front of Kopecky. However, Kopecky was there again for the big save. The Golden Bears could not crack the code when it came to scoring against Kopecky. With 5:42 left in the period, the Seahawks got a break and saw their first power-play opportunity. Jessie-Gerelli and the Golden Bears were able to keep the Seahawks at bay as Jessie-Gerelli saved four shots, and no power-play goal was scored. The period ended shortly after, and the score was still at zero. Kopecky made 12 saves during the second period, and Jessie-Gerelli made 19.

As the third period started, there was an anxious feeling in the arena. Both teams were battling hard, but something had to give. It was not going to be from the Golden Bears, though. Jessie-Gerelli made a big save on Grace Schwartz, who had the best opportunity for the Seahawks. Both teams traded shots, with WNE gaining more possession of the puck and increasing the pressure on Kopecky. With no major opportunities coming from either team, the puck moved from side to side, with WNE getting shots on Kopecky. The Seahawks waited and then struck with an open opportunity in the 12th minute of the third period. Zoe Galanoudis was not letting the Golden Bears go down without a fight as Galanoudis blocked the shot and turned the Seahawks away. As the third period wound down to the final minutes, Salve Regina saw a massive opportunity fall in front of them. After a WNE penalty with 2:06 left in the period, the Seahawks went on the power play. The Golden Bears made it tough on Salve Regina and only let up two shots on goal. Jessie-Gerelli was able to make both saves and send the game to overtime. Jessie-Gerelli made five saves in the period, and Kopecky had to make 14 to keep the score tied at zero going into overtime. 

Overtime saw both sides have opportunities early, with Holt having a big chance, but Kopecky made a huge save to keep the game alive. A few minutes later, Jessie-Gerelli made a huge save to deny Salve Regina the winner. Then, after a pass that went wide of the target, Holt deflected the puck to Maddie Pope, who picked up the puck in the WNE zone. Pope skated down the right side of the ice, up to Kopecky, deked from right to left, and back-handed the puck into the back of the net for a Golden Bear goal and the win! WNE skated out of Newport with a 1-0 overtime win. 

Inside the Crease:

• WNE started their home-and-home series with Salve Regina on Friday night in Newport, R.I.
• After all three periods, the score was still 0-0, and the game went to overtime.
• Maddie Pope ended the game with a goal where Pope deked out the goalie and put the puck into the net. Holt was given the assist on the play.
• Ellee Kopecky made 41 saves on the night.
• Rieley Jessi-Gerelli made 37 saves.
• The Golden Bears won 1-0 in overtime.

Up Next on the Schedule:

• Both teams are back in action on Saturday, January 14, at 7:00 pm. They will face off in West Springfield this time as they finish off the home-and-home at the Olympia Ice Center.