Box Score Box
Score
RYE, N.Y. - Brittane Michaud scored a pair of
goals, and Cindy Fortin stopped all 15 shots that she faced to lead
the Norwich University women's ice hockey team to a 4-0 shutout
victory over Salve Regina in the ECAC East Tournament championship
Sunday afternoon at Playland Ice Casino.
With the victory, Norwich (19-8-1) captures its first ECAC East
Tournament title in just its second season competing at the varsity
level. The Cadets earn the league's automatic bid to the NCAA
Tournament, and they will be participating in that event for the
first time beginning next weekend. The Cadets will learn of their
opponent in the NCAA Tournament by Monday.
Norwich completely outplayed Salve Regina (18-9-1) from the
start in the title game, outshooting the Seahawks 37-15 in the
contest.
The Cadets had the better of play in the opening period, holding
a 10-3 edge in shots during the first 20 minutes. Norwich was
unable to score, though, and the game moved into the second period
scoreless.
Norwich got on the scoreboard early in the second period when
Michaud scored just 54 seconds into the middle stanza. Julie
Fortier and Melissa Rundlett picked up assists on the goal, which
proved to be the game winner.
The Cadets made it 2-0 late in the second period when Sarah
Scardino scored with just 13 seconds to play in the frame. Amanda
Wilks and Kelsey Cone assisted on the goal, which was Scardino's
ninth of the season.
Norwich outshot Salve Regina 19-1 in the second period, and the
Cadets carried their 2-0 lead into the final 20 minutes.
Sophie Leclerc pushed NU's lead to 3-0 when she tallied her
team-leading 19th goal of the year at the 6:26 mark off an assist
from Scardino.
Michaud capped the scoring later in the third period when she
scored an empty-net goal at the 16:20 mark. Caitie Banfield and
Rundlett were credited with assists on the goal, which was
Michaud's seventh of the year.
Both teams were 0-for-5 on the power play in the game.
It marked the fourth shutout of the season for Fortin, who
improves to 12-5-0 on the year. Rebecca Simmons (11-8-1) made 33
saves in the loss for Salve Regina.
Leclerc, who was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player,
led Norwich on the all-tournament team. Joining Leclerc on the
all-tournament team were Scardino, Michaud and Wilks.
ECAC East All-Tournament Team
Sophie Leclerc, Norwich (Most Outstanding Player)
Sarah Scardino, Norwich
Brittane Michaud, Norwich
Amanda Wilks, Norwich
Kathleen Roche, Salve Regina
Rebecca Simmons, Salve Regina