RYE, N.Y. -- The Manhattanville College women's hockey team defeated Salem State University by a score of 6-0, Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Playland Ice Casino. Senior defender Ali Howard (Rye, N.Y./Rye) led the Valiants in points with four and had two goals and two assists, extending her point streak to four games. 

Manhattanville (7-5-2, 5-0 UCHC) came out swinging. They scored three goals in the first period to quickly put the game out of reach. Junior forward Ashley DeFusco (Cranston, R.I./La Salle Academy) scored the first goal of game just two and a half minutes in the period to gain momentum for her team and the Valiants never looked back. Howard notched two of her four points in the period, scoring one goal and adding one assist. 

The Crimson and White's second period was a mirror image of the first as they scored three more goals. Sophomore defender Erica Sandilands (Winnipeg, Man./Balmoral Hall Blaze (JWHL)) netted the final goal of the game with five minutes left to play in the period. It was her first of the season. The third period saw no serious action and the Valiants cruised to victory. 

The power play played a major part in the team's victory. Manhattanville converted three of their five power play opportunities en route to their win. Senior goalie Taylor Elias (Winnipeg, Man./Canadian International Hockey Academy) turned in a shutout performance, making 15 saves on 15 shots. The shutout was her second of the season. 

The Valiants return to action, Friday, Jan. 17, against United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) opponent Wilkes University. Puck drop is set for 7:00 P.M. at the Playland Ice Casino in Rye, N.Y.