PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - Third ranked Plattsburgh State (3-0, 3-0 NEWHL) defeated the SUNY Potsdam women's hockey team (2-1, 2-1) 4-1 on Friday afternoon. Reigning NEWHL Goalie of the Week, junior Ellie Zurfluh (Arvada, Colo./Team Colorado), was outstanding with 46 saves. Senior captain Kaylee Merrill (Wasilla, Alaska/Anchorage North Stars) scored her 32nd career goal for the Bears.

The Cardinals controlled the play in the first period from the outset. Zurfluh was as sharp as ever. She stopped 20 shots in the opening period and the teams entered the first intermission in a scoreless tie. Both teams were 0-for-1 on the power play in the first.

Zurfluh continued to be outstanding through the middle 20 minutes. She turned aside 14 more Plattsburgh opportunities. However, the Cardinals finally broke through in the final minute of play. Ivy Boric made it 1-0 with 24 seconds left. Just 16 seconds later, Sara Krauseneck struck and Plattsburgh led 2-0 after 40 minutes.

The Cardinals extended their lead to 3-0 just 2:22 into the third period on a goal from Julia Masotta. Merrill got the Bears on the board at the 10:38 mark. Junior defenseman Rebecca Holmes (Lawtons, N.Y./Buffalo Bisons) assisted on the goal. Just 1:14 later, Masotta struck again to close the scoring at 4-1.

Cardinal goalie Lilla Nease made 23 saves to earn the win. Potsdam was 0-for-5 on the man advantage and Plattsburgh was 0-for-3.

The two teams meet again tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. in Maxcy Ice Arena.