POTSDAM, N.Y.-The SUNY Potsdam women's hockey team (2-3, 2-3 NEWHL) rallied several times before falling to SUNY Canton (5-1-1, 2-1) 4-3 on Friday afternoon. Senior captain Kaylee Merrill (Wasilla, Alaska/Anchorage North Stars) and freshman defenseman Rachelle Cain (Skaneateles, N.Y./Syracuse Valley Eagles) each scored for the Bears.
Offense was tough to come by in the opening period, each team managing just five shots apiece. Neither team was able to score on their first two power-play opportunities. Canton finally broke through during a four-on-four situation with 1:30 left. Freshman forward Danika LaLonde (Sudbury, Ontario/Barrie Jr. Sharks) carried the puck into the zone on the right side and snuck a wrist shot between the left post and junior goalie Ellie Zurfluh's (Arvada, Colo./Team Colorado) left shoulder. The Kangaroos led 1-0 after 20 minutes.
Canton took advantage of more Potsdam penalty trouble in the second period to build momentum. Lalonde then struck again at 12:29 with an even-strength marker to make it 2-0. Potsdam got on the board 5:01 later as Cain score her first career goal on shot from the right point. Senior forward Megan Teachout (Skaneateles, N.Y./Oswego State) and freshman forward Alessia Marandola (Oakville, Ontario/Oakville Jr. Hornets) each assisted on the goal. Zurfluh stopped 17 shots in the second period, but Potsdam still trailed by one.
The Bears were looking for the equalizer early in the third period, but it was Canton striking quickly again. At 5:49, junior forward Hannah Clement (Ottawa, Ontario/Lady Grads) roofed a shot to make it 3-1. Potsdam answered with good energy and Merrill got the Bears back within one at 10:58 with a high shot from between the faceoff circles. Freshman forward Rebecca Cain (Skaneateles, N.Y./Syracuse Valley Eagles) and Marandola assisted on the goal. Again, Potsdam pushed to even the score and again it was Canton thwarting them with a goal. Freshman forward Jayme McIlveen (Whitby, Ontario/Whitby Jr. Wolves) picked off a clearing attempt, swept in front of the crease and fired just inside the left post at 14:29. The Bears pulled Zurfluh for an extra attacker at 15:42 and it paid off. Merrill buried her second with 18:35 to play and Potsdam was within 4-3. Senior forward Emily DellaNeve (Buffalo, N.Y./Buffalo Bisons) picked up the assist. Zurfluh was pulled again with 1:18 on the clock, but neither team was able to take advantage as time ran out.
Zurfluh finished with 23 saves and senior Sirena Alvarez (Jyvaskyla, Finland/HTI Stars) made 22 for the win. Potsdam was 0-for-5 on the power play and the Roos went 0-for-4.
The Bears are now off for one week when King's College comes to Maxcy for two games. The Monarch's are coached by Bears Hall of Famer Jordan Ott '17.