At Alumni Arena on Saturday in NEWHL play, the Cortland women’s ice hockey team trounced Potsdam, 5-0. After defeating Potsdam, the Red Dragons have increased their record to 17-6 overall, 12-4 in their conference and secured the second spot in the forthcoming league playoffs.
With two goals and two assists, sophomore Mia Hlasnick was the star for Cortland. With these assists, she broke July Ellis’ previous record of 18, setting a new mark for a single season. Freshman, Fanny Aneborn, recorded a goal and an assist, while freshmen Kayla Persinger and senior, Dany Donegan also scored goals for the Red Dragons. Four assists were recorded by junior, Jillian Hlasnick, and one each by sophomore Beth McArthur and graduate student Grace Schnorr.
Molly Goergen, a sophomore goalie for the Red Dragons made 18 saves against Potsdam Saturday afternoon.
“For the game versus Potsdam we were just coming off of a very big win yesterday against Oswego,” said Mia Hlasnick. “I think that the energy and gameplay from that game was what we tried to carry into the game against Potsdam.”
The first period began strong with Mia Hlasnick scoring in just 1:07 into the game having Cortland lead 1-0. After a slower start in the first period, the Red Dragons regrouped and came out on the ice fired up and ready to show Potsdam what they can really do. Skaters on the sidelines danced at the commencement of the second period.
With this energy, Cortland took control of the game scoring three goals in the second period. Donegan scored at 11:26 of the period by moving the puck from the right corner into the left post and across the crease. At 15:38, Persinger added a front facing goal to Cortland’s 3-0 advantage. With 1:10 remaining, Aneborn scored her 10th goal of the season on a wrist shot from the slot with Mia Hlasnick’s help for a record setting goal.
“Not only was the game important for us as a team, but with a win, we knew we could clinch a home playoff game that has never been done in program history before,” said Mia Hlasnick. “I think we were not only playing for that home game but playing to prove what we really are as a team.
Mia Hlasnick expressed that the team has come such a long way from where this program started.
“Potsdam is also a growing program who we knew would come playing to win. As a team we knew if we trusted our coaches along with each other and stuck to our systems we could play a good game,” said Mia Hlasnick. “As a whole I think we did that, and we were able to show really what we are. Every win from here on out not only is important for our future success but gives us more confidence and hope leading into the post season.”
The Cortland women’s ice hockey team plays again this upcoming Friday at Canton.