The Stevenson’s women’s ice hockey team improved their record to 9-8-5 after two history-making wins during the weekend of Feb. 15 and 16. The women won the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) championship with a 5-1 victory over Lebanon Valley College on Saturday, propelling them to the program’s 100th win when they faced Chatham University on Sunday.
Goals from sophomores Nikki Kendrick and Tea Ferrara closed the first period, as Stevenson led Lebanon Valley 2-0. Senior Jordan Pirrello increased the Mustangs’ lead to 3-0 with a goal in the second period.
In the third period, goals by freshman Karly Aguirre and sophomore Elizabeth Gaudreau boosted Stevenson’s score to 5-0. A Lebanon Valley goal in the 13th minute of the third period put the Dutchmen on the board, but the Mustangs remained victorious with a final score of 5-1. Aguirre was named MAC Player of the Week on Feb. 16 and has had a point in six of her last eight games.
On Sunday, the team earned the program’s 100th win in a shutout against Chatham University. A goal from junior forward Trinity Barcless ended the first period with Stevenson leading Chatham 1-0, and three goals from Kendrick, Aguirre and junior Kira Collins in the second period increased the lead to 4-0. Barcless closed with her second goal, ending the game 5-0.
In addition, senior goalie Annie Smyth-Hammond posted her third shutout of the season. Smyth-Hammond said, “This was a huge weekend for our team. We have worked incredibly hard all season long, so to win the MAC and achieve the program’s 100th win is a big milestone for us.”
The Mustangs are led by head coach Tori Emoff, a three-year captain and inaugural member of Stevenson’s women’s ice hockey team. This is her first season coaching the Mustangs and Barcless believes Emoff is a perfect fit.
“Her coaching style is one that fits for showcasing our strengths and challenging our weaknesses. As players, we work hard on the ice and our coaches work hard behind the scenes,” said Barcless.
Barcless was thrilled to share this win with Stevenson women’s ice hockey coaches, who are both alumni and helped create this legacy. Barcless said, “The win was fulfilling for us, but even more so for them. They were on the ice for the first ever program win. To come back and be part of this rewards them in a way they deserve.”
The Mustangs look to increase their win streak on Feb. 21 at Alvernia University and Feb. 22 at Wilkes University. For more statistics and game-time information, visit www.gomustangsports.com.