Cortland’s hockey programs made history over the weekend as both the men’s and women’s teams won the SUNYAC championships against Plattsburgh, making this the first time in school history that either team has won the title.
In their debut season after transitioning from the NEWHL conference, Cortland’s women’s team claimed the inaugural SUNYAC Championship for women’s hockey. Seeded second in the SUNYAC, the Red Dragons prevented the Cardinals’ from winning the conference championship for the 11th year in a row. The win was secured by graduate student Elena Eichmann with a goal just two minutes into overtime.
Cortland junior goalie Molly Goergen was named the SUNYAC Tournament MVP for her performance in the finals, preventing 26 of 27 shots on goal. Goergen also was named to the all-tournament team along with Eichmann and graduate student Dany Donegan.
With this win, the Cortland women’s hockey team has clinched a spot in the NCAA Division III National tournament for the first time in school history. The Red Dragons will host Elmira College in the first round on Wednesday, March 6th at 7 PM.
Cortland and Elmira met twice in the regular season, with both teams winning at home. The winner of this game will play in the national quarterfinals on Saturday, March 6th against Amherst College.
As for the Men’s Hockey team, junior Anthony Bernardo sealed the game yet again for the Red Dragons, scoring the game winner in overtime and giving them their first chance in the Division III tournament. This win puts Cortland just one away from tying the school single-season record of 19 wins.
Bernardo, who scored in each of the Red Dragon’s three playoff games, was named the SUNYAC tournament MVP. He was also named to the all-tournament team along with senior Nate Berke, and senior goalie Jack Riedell. Riedell allowed only five goals in the entire SUNYAC tournament and saved six in overtime to help the Red Dragons advance to the national stage.
The Red Dragons will now travel to New Hampshire to face Plymouth State University in the first round of the Division III tournament. The game will occur on Saturday, March 9th, at 7 PM, and will be streamed on Plymouth State’s athletics website.
Cortland has faced Plymouth State seven times, with their last matchup dating back to a two game series in 2009, with the Panthers winning both games. The winner of this first round matchup will face Utica University on the road for the quarterfinals on Saturday, March 16th.