The women’s ice hockey team extended their win streak to three games after taking a pair from Colby last weekend to start their season undefeated in the NESCAC.
On Friday night the Polar Bears whipped the Mules 7-0 in Waterville, and in the second game they came back from an early deficit to win 3-2 in overtime.
The team started its streak with a pair of goals in the middle of the first period. Rachel Kennedy ’16 scored her first career goal while Schuyler Nardelli ’15 scored nearly a minute later, upping the score to 2-0.
Coach Marissa O’Neil attributes Nardelli’s prolific scoring to her fitness and full dedication to improvement.
“She has always been a strong, powerful player and good skater.” said O’Neil. “Shot choice and execution is something we have recognized [from Nardelli] in practice.”
Heading into the second period, Colby mounted a counter-offensive effort to even the score, yet allowed a power play goal by Chelsea MacNeil ’15 and Kennedy’s second goal to end any hopes of a comeback.
Nardelli scored her second goal of the night in the final minute of the second period to boost the score to 5-0.
Then in the final period, Nardelli scored two more goals for a career high of four, the team’s highest output since the first game of last season.
Mallory Andrews ’14 had three assists and Ariana Bourque ’16 had two.
Kayla Lessard ’13 had 28 saves—half of them in the second period alone—and posted a shutout in her first start of the year.
In the second game, Colby skated passionately after being embarrassed the previous night. Scoreless after one period, Colby managed a goal on a power play early in the second period.
Bowdoin’s goalie Tara Connolly ’13—who finished the game with 14 saves—stopped a hard shot early on, but a nearby Colby attacker was able to knock the puck in off the rebound for the first goal of the game.
The Mules did not score again until early in the third period, putting the visitors up 2-0.
Colleen Finnerty ’15 scored her first goal of the season to cut the deficit in half. Kennedy and Stephaine Ludy ’13 were credited with an assist each.
With a minute to play in regulation, MacNeil passed to Kayte Holtz ’13, who scored a dramatic goal to tie the game and force overtime.
Kenzie Novak ’13 scored the overtime game-winner off a quick wrist-shot; and Holtz and Emily Tang ’14 were credited with an assist on the final play.
Despite being down most of the game, Bowdoin outshot Colby 43-16, and O’Neil says she credits that intensity to the team’s improved speed on the ice this year, particularly with the addition of Borque and Kennedy.
“I think having a couple first years who can move quickly picks up the pace for everyone else. Because of injuries and other reasons, we had to move some forwards back to defense so now our defense also has speed,” O’Neil said. “That makes a difference; overall our team just looks faster. That helps us to take those opportunities.”
Bowdoin will play Holy Cross today at Watson Arena.
Women’s hockey whips Colby to win last three
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