By Jacob Johnson
@JacobJ_7
SPRINGFIELD — On Friday evening, the Springfield College women’s club ice hockey team made their season, and club debut at Smead Arena. Fans, parents and students filled the bleachers to support the Pride’s inaugural season. Despite a late push and overtime, Springfield tied Curry College, 4-4.
The first period started slowly, as both teams had missed opportunities on fast breaks and open shots on net. The first period went scoreless, but was highlighted by some stellar play from Springfield first year goalie Amanda Hanley.
But it was only a matter of time before someone opened up the scoring. Three minutes and 17 seconds into the second period, team president Sam Foulkroud got the puck to first year center Reese Earle who made an in and out move on Curry defender Gabby Dotollo and fired a shot to the upper left side past Curry goalie Dabrina Santaniello for the first goal in Springfield College women’s club ice hockey history. Teammates and fans cheers echoed through Smead.
But Curry responded. With 14:30 left in the second period, Sophia Favorito quickly weaved her way through traffic, and found a cutting Kate Pond, who sunk the shot in the bottom right corner. Game tied 1-1.
The Pride wasted no time in taking the lead back however, as a minute and a half later Christina D’Ambro shredded her way up the right lane and found junior center Nicole Sedler, who buried the puck past Santaniello to put Springfield back on top, 2-1.
But the second quarter offensive explosion didn’t stop there. D’Ambro was once again on the fast break from the right side, found Lindsey Corning streaking on the opposite side who buried the fourth goal of the quarter.
Down 3-1, the Colonels didn’t let up. With just under nine minutes in the second period, the puck was forced in the goal crease and through the swinging sticks, Emma Blanchard was able to find the opening to bring them within one goal. After five goals were scored through the second period, Springfield entered the third quarter leading 3-2.
A couple minutes into the third period, Kate Pond notched her second goal of the match. Rebounding her own shot on the left side of the goal, she maneuvered her way all the way behind the goal and wrapped the puck into the opposite corner before Hanley could make the stop, tying the game at three apiece.
With just over six minutes remaining in the third, Lindsey Corning struck again. After a deflected shot bounced right to her 6 feet outside the top of the goal, she took advantage and aired it out to the top right corner giving the Pride the 4-3 lead.
But saving the game for Curry with 2:20 left on the clock, Sohpia Favorito bounced a shot of Hanley, as it rolled its way into the goal to tie the game up. After going to overtime, neither team was able to score, resulting in a tie.
“The girl’s played tough. With two lines I thought we played a great game, 4-4 tie is a win for me.” said Verrico, following the match. Springfield College will next head to Smith College on Sunday November 3rd for their second match of the year.
Featured photo courtesy of Jacob Johnson