MORRISVILLE, N.Y. - The SUNY Potsdam women's hockey team (8-8, 3-6 NEWHL) dug itself out of a 2-0 hole before falling 4-3 at Morrisville State (6-11-1, 3-8) on Friday afternoon. Senior forward Megan Teachout (Auburn, N.Y./Oswego State) scored two goals for the Bears and sophomore forward Sara Barrett (Tonawanda, N.Y./Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles) added the other. Junior goalie Ellie Zurfluh (Arvada, Colo./Team Colorado) had 33 saves for Potsdam.
The first period was evenly played, with the Bears edging the Mustangs in shots 10-9. However, it was Morrisville that struck first. At 11:57, Allie Davidson made it a 1-0 contest. With just 1:12 left in the period, Rhys Brown scored to send the Mustangs into the intermission with a two-goal lead.
Both offenses ramped up their play in the second period, combining for 32 shots. Teachout wasted no time starting Potsdam's comeback. Just 1:27 into the period, Morrisville was called for hooking and 36 seconds later Teachout cut the lead in half. Freshman defenseman Rachelle Cain (Skaneateles, N.Y./Syracuse Valley Eagles) and junior defenseman Rebecca Holmes (Lawtons, N.Y./Buffalo Bisons) assisted on the goal. Zurfluh and Mustangs goalie Maggie Jones stayed busy all period, but only the Bears' netminder was perfect. At 14:46, Teachout evened the game with an unassisted tally. Potsdam then killed a Morrisville power play late and the teams were tied 2-2 after 40 minutes.
Potsdam had some penalty trouble early in the third period. The Bears killed off the first, but Morrisville capitalized on the second. At 5:54, Meadow Clarke put the Mustangs up 3-2. Nearly five minutes later, they regained their two-goal advantage as Emily Olson scored at 13:47. Barrett answered for Potsdam just 16 seconds later, with helpers from Holmes and Cain. Zurfluh was pulled for an extra attacker with 3:36 left and again with 1:24 remaining as the Bears tried to make the most of a power play. However, Jones made two key saves as time ran out to preserve the win.
Jones finished with 35 saves. Potsdam was 1-for-2 on the power play and the Mustangs were 1-for-3.
The Bears head to SUNY Canton for a 3 p.m. contest tomorrow afternoon.