Keene State Women’s Ice Hockey ran into a wall against the Ephs of Williams College, losing 5-1 at home on Sunday, Nov. 30. The Owls were looking to rebound after a 10-1 loss against in-conference opponent Vermont State University Castleton. Williams arrived in Keene on a three-game undefeated streak.
The first period opened with a dominant showing by Williams, keeping the Owls in the defensive zone and putting six shots on net. The Ephs went on the power play three minutes into the first, with Keene State being charged with a two-minute minor penalty for boarding. The Owls successfully weathered the penalty kill, with five shots on goal from Williams. With a minute left in the first period, Williams was charged with a two-minute delayed penalty for tripping, but the Ephs couldn’t get a stick on it and the penalty was delayed until the start of the second.
The second period began with the Owls on the power play, putting three shots on net. At the end of the penalty, Williams stepped on the gas, going nearly eight minutes without Keene State getting a shot on goal. Seven minutes into the second, Williams put the puck in the net from directly in front of the crease. The referees deliberated briefly before awarding the goal, putting the Ephs up 1-0. Williams was awarded two more power plays after minor penalties by Keene State, both for tripping. The Owls’ penalty kill stayed perfect, fending off both with three blocked shots and five saves. Keene State blocked 30 shots in the game, with sophomore forward Ava Iantosca leading the team with six. Thirteen minutes into the second, Williams was issued a penalty for holding. The Owls capitalized, with sophomore defender Maddie DeSouza firing a shot into the net to even the game at 1-1. The goal was DeSouza’s first of her NCAA career. DeSouza was assisted by senior defender Grace Bazin for the first assist of her season. Not to be outdone, Williams answered with a goal of their own, sliding past sophomore goaltender Ai Chung to make the game 2-1.
Keene State started the third period on the power play, but came up empty-handed. Two minutes into the third, Williams tallied a third goal off a shot from the top of the slot. The Owls managed to hold on for nine minutes, with Iantosca ringing a shot off the pipe. With four minutes left, Williams was assessed a penalty for hooking, with the Owls looking to capitalize. Williams turned the penalty kill around and scored shorthanded, putting them up 4-1.
Chung made 56 saves in the contest, making 50 or more saves for the second time this season after a 68-save game against Norwich University. Chung said she felt good about her performance so far, but believes she has room to get better. “There’s still room for improvement. Personal statistics aren’t my main focus; I care more about delivering consistent performances in every match and truly helping the team secure victories,” said Chung. “My teammates have provided tremendous support defensively, allowing me to fully concentrate on my goalkeeping duties.”
With the loss, Keene State moves to 4-4 overall. The Owls next play a home game against the University of Southern Maine, a conference matchup on Dec. 5.
Frank LeBlanc can be contacted at
fleblanc@kscequinox.com
