NASHUA, N.H. - Behind two goals and an assist from Tori Walsh (Marystown, Newfoundland), the Albertus Magnus College women's ice hockey team made history, winning its first NCAA game in program history, beating Rivier, 5-3 on the road Friday night.
Albertus rallied from an early one-goal deficit in the first period.
THE BASICS
FINAL: Albertus Magnus 5 | Rivier 3
RECORDS: Albertus Magnus (1-9-1) | Rivier (4-3-2)
HOW IT HAPPENED
After conceding an early goal at 1:45 to Ellie Grady of the Raiders, the Falcons got on the board at the 7:54 mark on the power play as Molly Martin (Buffalo, N.Y.) whipped a slick behind-the-back pass to Kayla Clark (Avon, Conn.) who took the one-timer over the right shoulder of Rivier goaltender Rachel Symmes to tie the game.
Walsh ended the first period in the nick of time with her first goal of the game as Clark sent a shot to the net that deflected back to Walsh who stuffed it in with one second remaining to give Albertus the lead going into the first intermission.
After no goals were scored in the first twelve minutes of the second period, Walsh scored her second goal of the game as a shot from Gabrielle Dellacroce (Woodbridge, Conn.) was blocked, but the puck bounced back to Walsh who stuffed it in to make it a 3-1 game. Just 15 seconds later, Rivier scored on a goal from MOlly Dukesherer to make it a 3-2 game, which would remain the score going into the third period.
Just 30 seconds into the third period, Walsh, fed a pass from behind the net to Isabella Contreras (Surprise, AZ) who took a shot near the circle on the right side to take a 4-2 lead.
Paige Anger of Rivier made it a one-goal game again at the 11:52 mark.
Rivier pulled the goalie with 23 seconds remaining and Martin took advantage with five seconds left, sealing the historic win for the Falcons.
BETWEEN THE PIPES
Albertus Magnus: Christmas Johnson (Winnipeg, Manitoba) (W, 1-6-0) 35 Shots | 32 Saves | 3 Goals Allowed
Rivier: Rachel Symmes (L, 4-3-1) 22 Shots | 18 Saves | 4 Goals Allowed
Empty Net: 1 Shot | 0 Saves | 1 Goal
THE NUMBERS
Penalties\Minutes: Albertus Magnus 3/6 | Rivier2/4
Power-Play Goals/Opportunities: Albertus Magnus 1/2 | Rivier 0/3
NOTEWORTHY
- Walsh now has five goals on the season and eight points, both of which lead the team.
- It was a season-high in goals for Albertus.
- Clark finished with three points as she had a goal and two assists. It was also her first multi-point game.
- Johnson also won her first career game in net.
- It was the fourth game this year the Falcons have scored a power-play goal.
- It was the first career NCAA win for head coach Steve Novodor.
UP NEXT
The two teams meet again in New Haven at Ralph Walker Ice Rink at 8 p.m. on Saturday
