The West Chester women’s club hockey team played an away game against their heated rival, University of Delaware, late last Saturday afternoon, ending in a 4-1 West Chester loss.
While things were looking good for West Chester in the beginning of the first period with an early power play, Delaware was quick on the penalty kill. This followed two more power plays for Delaware, which gave them momentum to score. Delaware forward Katherine Horn scored the first goal of the game unassisted, giving Delaware the lead in the first period. Delaware was heavy on the attack in the first period as they out did West Chester in shots on goal by 18-4.
West Chester appeared to have learned from their mistakes in the first half by being on the offensive attack early in the second. Forward Becky Dobson scored the first goal for West Chester to tie the game.
Despite that West Chester was finally able to score against goaltender Brie Scolaro, Delaware continued their assault on West Chester’s defense by keeping play in West Chester’s zone. They were persistent to gain the lead once more and continued to lead the game in shots.
Forward Kim Blasnik scored the second Delaware goal assisted by defensemen Mari O’Leary and Sara Albrecht with nine minutes left in the second period. Delaware continued to dominate on the ice with a third goal scored minutes later by forward Samantha Testa. Albrech and O’Leary again assisted this goal, as Delaware led the game 3-1.
West Chester was granted another opportunity to score with a power play halfway into the last period, but again Delaware was on the penalty kill. Still leading in shots on goal, Delaware was able to score for the fourth time with only seven minutes left in the game. Forward Jamie Moelis scored this goal assisted by forwards Sam DiSabatino and Testa.
With less than a minute of play left, Delaware forward Danielle Malysa got called for an elbowing penalty. This rewarded West Chester another power play and the opportunity to score once more. Delaware was quick to silence any West Chester goals, and the game ended with a Delaware victory.
Despite the loss, West Chester is still optimistic as their season progresses. “Hopefully we will pick up some more wins,” president of the hockey club and forward Kristen Neugebauer said.
West Chester is currently 4-2-0 and are second in the Ashly Moyer Memorial Division with 18 points. University of Delaware leads the division in 10 points, while the two teams continue to fight for dominance within the division standings.
Deanna Vasso is a fourth-year student majoring in English with a minor in creative writing. She can be reached at DV670502@wcupa.edu.