BUFFALO, N.Y.- The New England College women's ice hockey team traveled to Buffalo, New York to face non-conference opponent Buffalo State on Friday afternoon, falling 4-0.
The Bengals pressured the Pilgrims early, firing a series of shots that sophomore goaltender Kayden Lallier Whissell (Stevensville, Ont.) saved. NEC responded with attempts from senior Meadow Gilchrist (Stamford, Conn.) and freshman Carol Lenig (El Paso, Tex.), but Bengals goaltender Alexa Todd made the saves. Buffalo State continued to apply the offensive pressure in the period and at the nine-minute mark, Sydney Radecki netted the first goal of the game. The 'Grims pressed for the equalizer and generated a power-play opportunity late in the period, where senior Isabella Marzano (Warwick, R.I.) ripped back-to-back shots that were stopped by Todd. Buffalo State's defense held strong to preserve a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
The Bengals and Pilgrims traded chances early in the second period, but neither side could break through. Buffalo State doubled its lead at the 15:40 mark when Taylor Masterson buried a shot to make it 2-0. NEC kept pressing, with freshman Claire Gerarden (Green Bay, Wisc.) testing Todd with a quality shot, but the Bengals' goaltender denied the opportunity. The period closed with Buffalo State maintaining its 2-0 advantage.
The Bengals continued to pressure in the third period, sending several shots at Lallier Whissell, who held strong in net for the 'Grims. Buffalo State extended its lead to 3-0 at the 11:43 mark when Dakota Carlson found the back of the net. The Bengals kept up the attack, but Lallier Whissel turned aside each attempt, and sophomore Erin Keville (Canterbury, N.H) blocked another shot. Buffalo State added a late goal to seal a 4-0 victory on Friday afternoon.
Lallier Whissell finished the day 34 saves for the Pilgrims while senior Gina Sciortino (Billerica, Mass.) led the team with two blocks.
The Pilgrims return to the Ice Arena for another contest with the Bengals, this time set for a 2:00 PM puck drop.
For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
