Stevenson’s women’s ice hockey team is now 11-9 after facing Salem State University this past weekend. After a 9-2 win on Friday, Feb. 3 and a 4-1 win on Saturday, Feb. 4, the team improved its road record to 8-3.
On Feb. 3 junior Chelsea Blackburn became the program’s all-time points leader in the 9-2 Colonial Hockey Conference victory over Salem State. On Monday Feb. 6 ,the league named Blackburn to the weekly honor roll. She has 23 points on the season on 17 goals and three assists.
This success, paired with the victorious weekend, pulled the team out of a four-game losing streak that closed out the month of January. The team entered Friday’s matchup with just two goals in their last four games.
“The wins this weekend were definitely a confidence booster,” said Blackburn. According to head coach Tracy Johnson, returning to the basics and focusing on what the team has done well in the past was enough to pull them out of the slump.
The Mustangs maintain sole possession of third place in the Colonial Hockey Conference and are still in contention for one of two first-round byes.
“I feel really confident,” said junior Natalie Rosendahl on the bye possibility. “We just need to come out strong this weekend and hopefully get the two W’s and then beat SUNY Canton.”
As the Mustangs enter the final week of the season, Johnson said that the team is working hard and the players push each other to be better.
“I think being very disciplined and working very hard in the D-zone is something that we pride ourselves on, and that will be very helpful down the stretch,” said Johnson.
Stevenson returns to action on Friday, Feb. 10 when the Mustangs host Morrisville State College in the final regular home series. The puck is set to drop at 4 p.m.
On Saturday, Feb. 11 the Mustangs conclude the series with Pink in the Rink, a tradition started in women’s hockey with the purpose of reinforcing breast cancer awareness. The Mustangs encourage fans to wear pink and will donate all proceeds raised at the game to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Admission to the game is free, but the team is asking fans for a suggested donation of $3.
According to gomustangsports.com, there will also be free giveaways for the first 200 fans, a silent auction and a raffle to win two tickets to a Washington Capitals game. Puck drop is set for 3:30 p.m. at the Reisterstown Sportsplex.
