Pope, Jessie-Gerelli Honored by CCC
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (February 13, 2023) – The Western New England women's ice hockey team saw two of their own pick-up weekly Commonwealth Coast Conference awards this week as junior goalie Rieley Jessie-Gerelli and first year Maddie Pope earned acknowledgements from the conference office, as announced today.
Rieley Jessie-Gerelli guided the Golden Bears in between the pipes this past weekend to two important CCC victories, over both Nichols College and Curry College. The junior made 35 saves in a 4-1 win on home ice against Nichols College, earning her eighth win of the season. Jessie-Gerelli followed up that performance by producing a clean sheet at Curry College, as the Golden Bears took down the Colonels 2-0. The Croton-On-Hudson, New York native made 31 saves in the win for Western New England, collecting her 9th win of the season and 5th shutout of the year. On the season, Jessie-Gerelli has made 16 starts for WNE notching a 1.59 GAA, collecting a .955 save percentage while winning nine games, a career-high. Currently, Jessie-Gerelli's career save percentage of .949 ranks first in NCAA Division III women's ice hockey. Jessie-Gerelliwas named CCC Goaltender of the Week for the third time this season.
First year Maddie Pope collects her second CCC Rookie of the Week nomination after recording three points and two wins this weekend. Pope helped the Golden Bears in their 4-1 win over Nichols by scoring a goal and collecting an assist while sitting at a +3 rating. Pope took three shots for Western New England in the win. The Plantation, Florida native then scored another goal in a crucial CCC win for WNE women's ice hockey at Curry College the following afternoon. Pope took five shots on goal for the Golden Bears that helped WNE beat Curry for the first time this season after tying their previous two matchups. Pope continues to lead WNE in goals (15), points (23), +/- rating (+18) shorthanded goal (1), and game winning goals (4). Pope also leads the CCC in goals scored and +/- rating.
WNE plays their final game of the regular season, which will be a battle for seeding in the CCC playoffs on Saturday, February 18 at 7:00 pm against University of New England from the Olympia Ice Center.
