REISTERSTOWN, MD. -- The Manhattanville College women's hockey team earned a 3-2 victory over United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) opponent Stevenson University, on the road, Friday, Feb. 7. Two power play goals were the difference in the game as the Valiants took care of business to maintain their position at the top of the UCHC South division.
The game's biggest moment came six minutes into the third period when Manhattanville (11-7-3, 9-2-1 UCHC) notched the game winning goal on the power play. Senior forward Amanda Sabia (Freehold, N.J./The Gunnery) found the back of the net on a goal assisted by junior forward Taylor Ham (Saugerties, N.Y./Millbrook School). The Valiants held onto the one-goal advantage until the end of the period and came away with a win.
Both teams went back and forth to start the game, but Manhattanville never trailed. Senior defender Zoey Pellowitz (Arlington, Va./Washington Pride (JWHL)) set the tone early with the only goal of the first period on the power play and Sabia and junior forward Tianna Lopes (West Vancouver, British Columbia/Pacific Steelers (JWHL)) were credited with assists.
The second period then saw three more goals. Stevenson (7-8-4, 5-5-2 UCHC) tied the game at one just three minutes into the period, but the Valiants came roaring back and senior forward Brayden James (Denton, Texas/Dallas Stars Elite (EHL)) tied the game just 36 seconds later thanks to an assist from Ham. The Mustangs once again tied the game midway through the second, but the tie was broken with Sabia's third period tally.
The power play has been a weapon all the season for the Crimson and White and they now have a total of 32 goals with the man advantage on the season. This is the most of any team in the country. 10 different players have notched a power play goal this season and senior defender Ali Howard (Rye, N.Y./Rye) leads all Valiants with six.
Manhattanville returns to the ice tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 8. for another UCHC matchup. The team will take on Alvernia University in Reading, Pa., at the Body Zone Sportsplex for a 2:00 P.M. puck drop. The Valiants defeated the Wolves earlier this season by a score of 7-2.
