RYE, N.Y. — The Manhattanville University women's hockey team delivered a resilient, hard-working performance in its first home match up of 2026 against Connecticut College on Tuesday afternoon, but ultimately fell 3–1 in a non-conference contest at Playland Ice Casino.
The opening period tested Manhattanville early as Connecticut generated sustained offensive pressure. Junior goaltender Olivia Cimorelli (West Deptford, N.J./The Hill School / Ironbound Elite) anchored the Valiants from the start, turning aside a barrage of shots and keeping the game scoreless through multiple defensive-zone sequences. Despite strong shot attempts from Abby Mellen (Rockport, Mass./Northfield Mount Hermon / Vermont Academy / East Coast Wizards), Emily Tučiūtė, and Sasha Jacobson (Hanover, Mass./Brewster Academy), the Camels broke through at 8:31 with an even-strength tally and added a second goal at 13:24 to take a 2–0 lead into the first intermission.
Manhattanville responded with increased urgency in the second frame, controlling extended shifts in the offensive zone and testing Connecticut goaltender Jillian Wexler with 10 shots on goal. The Valiants were rewarded at 9:23 when Jada Mackinnon (Barrington, Nova Scotia, Canada/King's Edgehill School) finished an even-strength sequence, scoring her third goal of the season off assists from Molly Sances (Billerica, Mass./Billerica Memorial) and Colby Cantor (Norwell, Mass./North American Hockey Academy) to cut the deficit to one. The goal sparked continued pressure, with quality chances from Harper Weisbeck (Pittsford, N.Y./Pittsford Sutherland), Ali Joly (Pickering, Ontario, Canada/Dunbarton / Caledon Coyotes), Katherine Stahl (Middletown, R.I./Middletown), Catrina Chinetti (Hyde Park, Mass./Boston Latin Academy / East Coast Wizards), Danika Aubin (Guy, Alberta, Canada/Northern Alberta Xtreme (CSSHL)), Claire Hazard (Barnstable, Mass./Worcester Academy), Cantor, Sances, and Mackinnon.
The Valiants generated multiple power-play opportunities late in the second period, consistently forcing defensive breakdowns. Manhattanville came closest to tying the contest when Weisbeck rang a shot off the post, but Connecticut escaped the frame holding a 2–1 advantage.
In the third, Manhattanville maintained composure and continued pushing for the equalizer, with Cimorelli denying point-blank chances to keep the game within reach early. Connecticut extended its lead at 5:58 with an even-strength goal to make it 3–1.
Refusing to fold, the Valiants pressed relentlessly down the stretch, generating sustained pressure during consecutive power plays and creating late chances, including another post hit by Aubin and multiple net-front opportunities. Despite the surge, Manhattanville was unable to find the back of the net again.
Cimorelli finished the night with 27 saves, while Manhattanville's defensive corps turned in a disciplined, physical effort with 24 blocked shots.
Up Next:
Manhattanville Women's Hockey will close out non-conference play on Friday, January 16, when they face Oswego State at Playland Ice Casino with puck drop set for 7 PM.
