POTSDAM, N.Y. - The SUNY Potsdam women's hockey team (1-0, 1-0) never trailed as they as defeated Oswego State (0-3, 0-1) 2-1 Friday evening. Senior captain Kaylee Merrill (Wasilla, Alaska/Anchorage North Stars) scored twice in the second period. Junior goalkeeper Ellie Zurfluh (Arvada, Colo./Team Colorado) turned away 33 shots, including 14 in the third period to secure the win for the Bears.
Even with three power-play opportunities in the first period, the Lakers were still unable to capitalize against a strong Bears defense. Zurfluh faced eight shots in the first 20 minutes while Oswego State goalkeeper Lexi Levy (St. Louis, Mo./Post University) redirected 10 shots. The game remained scoreless at the first intermission.
The Bears struck early as the second period of play commenced. Deep in Laker territory at 1:56, senior forward Emily DellaNeve (Buffalo, N.Y./Buffalo Bisons) knocked a puck loose to the corner where freshman forward Rebecca Cain (Skaneateles, N.Y./Syracuse Valley Eagles) regained possession. Noticing her teammate, Cain then made a well-timed pass to cutting Merrill who sent a one-timer from the slot to secure the first goal of the contest. At 16:25, Merrill tapped in her second goal of the game off an assist from DellaNeve. This put the Bears up 2-0 going into the final period.
Five minutes into the third period, the Lakers captured their first goal of the game off a power-play opportunity. Senior forward Morgan Shines (Marengo, Ill./Chicago Mission) managed to slip the puck into the slot where sophomore forward Ashlyn McGrath (Delmar, N.Y./Northwood School) deflected a shot over the left shoulder of Zurfluh to trim the Bears lead 2-1. Unfazed by the goal, Potsdam countered the pressure and held on to capture their first win of the season.
Levy stopped 28 shots. The Lakers outshot the Bears 34-30 and was 1-8 on the power-play. Potsdam was 0-6. Tonight's win ends a six-game winless streak against Oswego State.
With her two goals tonight, Merrill is now tied for fourth on the all-time goals list with 31 career goals. She is also tied for 13th on the all-time scoring list with a total of 39 points.
The Bears are back in action tomorrow when they face-off at home against Buffalo State at 3 p.m.