The Quinnipiac women’s ice hockey team (4-0-1. 0-0 ECAC) looked to complete the sweep the University of Maine Black Bears (2-4-1, 1-0-0 WHEA) on home ice Saturday afternoon. It took more than 30 shots before one broke through midway through the third period, giving Quinnipiac the first goal that would propel them to their 2-0 win over Maine.
Though the Bobcats were able to throw 43 shots on goal in the game, the second of the weekend match against the Black Bears, the pace of the game was much the same as the 4-0 win the night before.
“I think we might not have been as intense around the net. I thought we had the same opportunities as we did yesterday,” head coach Rick Seeley said. “I thought we were working to get in front of the net, but I don’t think we were doing a great job screening the goalie.”
Again untested, senior Chelsea Laden posted another shutout, marking four straight starts where she hasn’t allowed a goal. As a team, the Bobcats have only allowed one goal in five games.
Laden believes her prowess in net isn’t the only thing keeping the puck out of the net.
“I mean I’ve had forty something shots all year, and I don’t think there’s anything special about the way I’m playing,” Laden said. “I think all the special stuff is happening in front of me, with my team.”
Seeley is also quick to praise the work of his defense, with five of six returning players.
“This year we really emphasized getting the puck back. So if we lose it in the offensive zone, it’s immediate pressure on the puck carrier. We’ve been solid through the neutral zone with back pressure.”
The returners aren’t the only ones making an impact— freshman Taylor Cianfarano scored what would ultimately become her third game-winning goal in five games.
“It’s awesome with the help of your teammates, with the D stepping up, getting pucks deep and forechecking,” Cianfarano said. “It just so happens that I end up getting the puck and getting a good shot off. Other than that, it’s nothing really.”
“She’s always been a natural scorer,” Seeley said. “If there are high level recruits like she was, then usually that translates to the next level as well.”
While Seeley notes the importance of these Hockey East weekends, he knows the true test lies ahead.
“Next week we have New Hampshire, and after that the conference starts. That’s what we’re gearing up for, basically,” Seeley said. “All this hard work is for what’s going to happen in a couple of weeks.”
The team looks to continue its winning ways with one more non-conference game at the University of New Hampshire before they open up conference play on the road against Colgate on Oct. 31.
