RYE, N.Y. -- The Manhattanville College women's hockey team fell to the fourth ranked team in the country, Elmira College by a score of 4-1, Friday, Jan. 31. The Valiants struggled to stop the Soaring Eagles' offense and gave up two power play goals which created an early cushion for Elmira. The loss was Manhattanville's first United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) loss of the season. 

Elmira (14-2-2, 9-1 UCUC) opened up their offense in the second period after a sluggish first from both teams. The Soaring Eagles found the back of the net three times before the midway point of the period. The first came at even strength and the following two came on the power play. The outburst put Manhattanville (10-6-3, 8-1-1 UCHC) down 3-0 at the second intermission.  

The Valiants came out swinging to start the second period of play. Senior defender Ali Howard (Rye, N.Y./Rye) found the back of the net thanks to assists from junior forward Tianna Lopes (West Vancouver, British Columbia/Pacific Steelers (JWHL)) and senior forward Amanda Sabia (Freehold, N.J./The Gunnery). Unfortunately, Manhattanville was unable to cut into the lead any further as the third period drew on. Elmira scored its final goal on an empty net with just 24 seconds remaining in the game. 

The Crimson and White were outshot 25-14 by Elmira over the course of the game. Senior goalie Taylor Elias (Winnipeg, Man./Canadian International Hockey Academy) made 17 saves on 20 shots before exiting the game midway through the third due to injury. Freshman goalie Lena Flores (Chicago, Ill./Guerin College Prep) took the net in her place and made four saves before being pulled with one-minute remaining in the game. 

Manhattanville returns to the ice tomorrow, Saturday, February 1, against UCHC opponent William Smith College. Puck drop is set for 7:00 P.M. at the Playland Ice Casino in Rye, N.Y. The team will look to get back on track against another formidable opponent.