The Quinnipiac Bobcats women’s ice hockey team opened postseason play against Harvard, defeating the Crimson 2-0 at M&T Bank Arena. While Harvard made Quinnipiac work hard for this victory, a first period attack was enough for the Bobcats to move on.
“You know, Harvard brought everything. They were really making us uncomfortable at times, but I thought our group adjusted and played 60 minutes in a way that we’re proud of, and it’s a good first step in the playoffs,” head coach Cass Turner said of the performance.
From the opening puck drop, Harvard was able to hang with Quinnipiac in the initial stages. It created good scoring chances and made Quinnipiac graduate goaltender Kaley Doyle work early.
However, just before the first media timeout, senior forward Maya Labad opened the scoring for the Bobcats after a swift breakaway goal past Harvard junior goaltender Emily Davidson, for her 50th career goal at Quinnipiac.
“Yeah, I mean, she scores timely goals. You know, to get that first one today is huge. And, you know, she developed her game in so many ways. It’s exciting to see and to see what people invest, what they can accomplish,” Turner said.
After Labad scored, the Bobcats immediately were on the hunt for a second goal. Davidson made a tough two on one save against Quinnipiac graduate forward Madison Samoskevich. However, she was then beaten by a quick wrister from the right side by Quinnipiac first year defender Makayla Watson.
“Yeah, I think I’ve been working a lot with [assistant coach Brent Hill] with morning skills and stuff, so he’s helped me with that. And then I think I’ve switched defense a couple times this year, and every player I’ve played with has given me that confidence and has encouraged me to be active and play with confidence,” Watson said of her development as a player.
Kaley Doyle her 8th shutout of the season today with 26 total saves. She faced a couple power plays from Harvard, along with some weird bounces, but kept the Bobcats in the lead with her play in net.
With this game being a single elimination matchup, the Bobcats knew what the stakes were and were able to handle it with flying colors.
“We’ve been playing playoff hockey all year,” Doyle said. “I think with our league being so high quality, obviously we’re playing a great opponent every night. I think it really built our confidence. And today, I don’t think I noticed anyone too nervous. I think we just came out, it was just another game.”
“I think in some ways it was nice to play this week. Of course, I would have liked to have not played this week, but not having a week off, having another win under our belt for the national tournament is not going to hurt us. And I think we’ll be ready to go next week.” Turner said of how this game prepared her team for what’s ahead.
With Quinnipiac being the highest seed to get out of the opening round of the ECAC playoffs, they will now travel to Potsdam, New York to face off with the number four seed, the Clarkson Golden Knights. The Bobcats defeated Clarkson at home and lost to them on the road, splitting the season series in the regular season. Times are to be determined for the quarterfinal series, but it will take place between February 28 through March 2.
