CASTLETON, VT - The SUNY Potsdam women's hockey team (7-6) defeated Rivier University (2-7-2) 5-0 in the Castleton Invitational Consolation on Saturday afternoon. Five different Bears scored and freshman defenseman Rachelle Cain (Skaneateles, N.Y./Syracuse Valley Eagles) and junior defenseman Rebecca Holmes (Lawtons, N.Y./Buffalo Bisons) had a goal and an assist each.
Potsdam controlled the game from the outset. Senior forward Megan Teachout (Auburn, N.Y./Oswego State) started the barrage with a goal at 15:38. The score was unchanged after one period.
The Bears broke the game open with three second period goals. Senior captain Kaylee Merrill (Wasilla, Alaska/Anchorage North Stars) scored a power-play goal at 12:39 with an assist from Holmes. At 15:29, graduate student forward Makenzie Martin (Potsdam, N.Y./Potsdam High School) struck with helpers from sophomore forward Karley Green (Potsdam, N.Y./Potsdam Ice Storm) and Cain. Cain then scored her goal, while shorthanded at 18:35. The Bears led 4-0 after 40 minutes.
Holmes netted the only goal of the third period at 6:32 with an assist from freshman forward Josie Purdy (White Lake, Nova Scotia/Ontario Hockey Academy).
Potsdam sophomore goalie Hannah Barrett (Tonawanda, N.Y./Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles) finished with 10 saves for the shutout. Rachel Hinkley finished with 51 stops for the Raiders.
The Bears are now off until January 6, when they head to Oswego for a 7 p.m. NEWHL contest.