David Bates Photo

Nor'easters chalk up 5-1 win over Plymouth State


Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- After surrendering the first goal of the contest, the University of New England women's ice hockey team scored five times by the midway point of the 2nd period to record a 5-1 victory over Plymouth State University on Thursday (Dec. 5) at the Harold Alfond Forum.

The Nor'easters (4-4-3) received two goals from first-year Gabby Crugnale, and one each from senior Jenni Poulin (3 assists) and first-years Emily Corrales (2 assists) and Richelle Skarbowski.

PSU (2-6-0) got on the board with 5:07 gone when first-year Haley Branovan collected a failed clear by UNE on the right side and netted her first marker of the season.

Poulin from Corrales tied things up at 7:49, and Corrales from Crugnale moved Big Blue ahead with 9:30 elapsed. Crugnale capped the 1st-period scoring (3-1) with 11:25 on the clock, after passes from Poulin and first-year Cassandra Connolly.

The hosts added two more in the middle frame, courtesy of Skarbowski (7:45) and Crugnale (8:25). Through 40 minutes of action, UNE had a four-goal cushion despite being out-shot 28-16.

The Panthers finished with a 34-25 edge in shots, resulting in 33 saves for Big Blue sophomore netminder Courtney Kendall.

PSU senior Nicole Crandle took the loss between the pipes, going the initial 28:25 to make eight saves. Classmate Ali Ponte went the rest of the way without allowing a goal and totaling 12 stops.

The two teams will meet again Friday night (6 p.m.) in New Hampshire.