URI women's ice hockey shuts out Norwich, Nichols
Pat Ouellette
Issue date: 11/16/06 Section: Sports
11/16/06 - University of Rhode Island women's ice hockey head coach Beth McCann has decided that the team would need three strong lines to win a national championship. So far, that decision has worked out pretty well.
Rhode Island dominated Norwich University and Nichols College this weekend by scores of 4-0 and 8-0, respectively.
The Rams scored early en route to the shutout over Norwich on Saturday. Freshman forwards Jolene Rambone and Nicole Ouellette led the way with two goals each.
Using their new philosophy of playing three lines to keep everyone fresh, the team received single goals from sophomore forward Cara Murphy, sophomore defenseman Laura Braddock, sophomore forward Chelsea Skorupski and sophomore forward Emily Tuohey. Senior goalie Lynn Pecci saved 14 shots on goal to record the shutout.
Rambone said she liked the way the team went out and scored in the first period against Norwich. "We came out strong and scored early, which had been a problem for us," she said.
Senior captain Karen Hawes said she saw the line changes starting to work on Saturday.
"Things definitely started clicking for us and we are starting to come together as a team," she said.
A tough opponent in Nichols College proved no match for Rhode Island on Sunday. The offense was spread evenly again this game as Hawes, sophomore forward Lindsay Maturi and senior forward Kellie Bartram each scored a goal. Senior Kelli Jourdain was in goal this game and shut down the Bisons with 11 saves.
Murphy said she was happy with the way the team played against what she described as a gritty Nichols team.
"We finally capitalized on the power play, which is something the team struggled with, by scoring twice in four opportunities," she said. "They are a very strong and aggressive team. They play tough."
Coach McCann agreed with her players.
"In past games we've waited until the second or third period to start scoring, so the early goals were important," she said. "The game against Nichols was impressive because they are a competitive team that is also trying to jump to [varsity] Division 3 status. Kelli Jordaine played great as a goaltender for us on Sunday."
McCann said spreading the players is starting to pay off for the new program.
"Breaking up our blue line was tough but the adjustments are working," she said. "This will make us a better team come playoff time."
McCann said she is looking forward to this weekend's competitive match-up against the University of Massachusetts. "UMass always gives us a great game and we don't underestimate them at all," she said. "Hopefully the new lines will help us continue to improve."
Rhode Island dominated Norwich University and Nichols College this weekend by scores of 4-0 and 8-0, respectively.
The Rams scored early en route to the shutout over Norwich on Saturday. Freshman forwards Jolene Rambone and Nicole Ouellette led the way with two goals each.
Using their new philosophy of playing three lines to keep everyone fresh, the team received single goals from sophomore forward Cara Murphy, sophomore defenseman Laura Braddock, sophomore forward Chelsea Skorupski and sophomore forward Emily Tuohey. Senior goalie Lynn Pecci saved 14 shots on goal to record the shutout.
Rambone said she liked the way the team went out and scored in the first period against Norwich. "We came out strong and scored early, which had been a problem for us," she said.
Senior captain Karen Hawes said she saw the line changes starting to work on Saturday.
"Things definitely started clicking for us and we are starting to come together as a team," she said.
A tough opponent in Nichols College proved no match for Rhode Island on Sunday. The offense was spread evenly again this game as Hawes, sophomore forward Lindsay Maturi and senior forward Kellie Bartram each scored a goal. Senior Kelli Jourdain was in goal this game and shut down the Bisons with 11 saves.
Murphy said she was happy with the way the team played against what she described as a gritty Nichols team.
"We finally capitalized on the power play, which is something the team struggled with, by scoring twice in four opportunities," she said. "They are a very strong and aggressive team. They play tough."
Coach McCann agreed with her players.
"In past games we've waited until the second or third period to start scoring, so the early goals were important," she said. "The game against Nichols was impressive because they are a competitive team that is also trying to jump to [varsity] Division 3 status. Kelli Jordaine played great as a goaltender for us on Sunday."
McCann said spreading the players is starting to pay off for the new program.
"Breaking up our blue line was tough but the adjustments are working," she said. "This will make us a better team come playoff time."
McCann said she is looking forward to this weekend's competitive match-up against the University of Massachusetts. "UMass always gives us a great game and we don't underestimate them at all," she said. "Hopefully the new lines will help us continue to improve."
