POTSDAM, N.Y. - The SUNY Potsdam women's hockey team (5-4) defeated Rivier University (2-4-2) 5-0 on Friday evening. Freshman forward Alessia Marandola (Oakville, Ontario/Oakville Jr. Hornets) scored twice and senior captain Kaylee Merrill (Wasilla, Alaska/Anchorage North Stars) had a goal and an assist for the Bears. Senior defenseman Alex Quinn (Potsdam, N.Y./St. Lawrence Steel) and sophomore forward Keely Towne (Potsdam, N.Y./Potsdam Ice Storm) also scored. Sophomore goalie Hannah Barrett (Tonawanda, N.Y./Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles) needed just nine saves for her third career victory and first shutout.
The Bears were aggressive from the outset. They outshot the Raiders 13-2 in a clean opening period that saw no penalties. Marandola opened the scoring at 9:13, tipping a shot from senior assistant captain Taylor Swamp (Akwesasne, N.Y./St. Lawrence Steel) past Rivier sophomore goalie Rachel Hinkley (Swedesboro, N.J./Northwood). Freshman Rachelle Cain (Skaneateles, N.Y./Syracuse Valley Eagles) had the second assist. Just over two minutes later at 11:38, Merrill scored her 11th of the season from the right side of the net. Sophomore forward Sara Barrett (Tonawanda, N.Y./Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles) and Cain picked up the assists. Potsdam led 2-0 after 20 minutes.
The Bears added two more in the second period. Rivier killed a penalty at 8:27, but went right back in the box 11 seconds later. Quinn beat Hinkley on a high shot from the left point at 8:55 with assists from Merrill and Swamp. At 13:49, Towne knocked home the rebound off a shot from freshman forward Megan Mills (Mono, Ontario/North York Storm). Sophomore forward Karley Green (Potsdam, N.Y./Potsdam Ice Storm) had the second assist. The Raiders continued to struggle offensively and were down 4-0 after two periods.
Marandola had the only goal of the third period. After picking up a feed from junior defenseman Megan Sheehan (Akron, N.Y./Buffalo Bisons), she sent the puck toward the net from the slot and it eluded Hinkley. Rivier created a few chances on their two third period power plays, but Barrett handed each attempt.
Hinkley finished with 35 saves. Potsdam was 1-for-3 on the power play and the Raiders were 0-for-4.
The two teams go at it again tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.