ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Manhattanville College women's hockey team defeated William Smith College by a score of 2-1, Saturday, March 7, to advance to the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) Championship game. Senior defender Ali Howard (Rye, N.Y./Rye) and senior forward Amanda Sabia (Freehold, N.J./The Gunnery) each notched a goal in the win.
 
The Valiants fell behind early. Five minutes into the game William Smith (18-9, 13-3 UCHC) found the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead. The period was back and forth after that, the Herons outshot Manhattanville (17-7-3, 13-2-1 UCHC) 10-7 in the first and held a 1-0 lead heading into the intermission.
 
In the second period, Manhattanville began to come alive. 12 minutes into the second, Sabia scored on a tip in and assists were credited to Howard and junior forward Tianna Lopes (West Vancouver, British Columbia/Pacific Steelers (JWHL)). Three minutes later, Howard struck from the point. This time on the power play and once again from the point. Senior defender Zoey Pellowitz (Arlington, Va./Washington Pride (JWHL)) and Sabia assisted on the play. The Valiants carried their 2-1 lead into the third period.
 
Manhattanville was able to stave off the William Smith attack for the final 20 minutes and hold onto their one-goal advantage. Freshman goalie Lena Flores (Chicago, Ill./Guerin College Prep) made five saves in the period and saved 25 of 26 shots in the game to secure the win for the Valiants.
 
The Crimson and White return to the ice tomorrow, Sunday, March 8, for the UCHC Championship game against Elmira College. Puck drop is set for 3:00 P.M. and the winner advances to the NCAA Tournament.