Elmira College Women’s Hockey Triumphs Over Utica in Exciting Comeback

Elmira College women’s hockey team put on quite a show over the weekend, grabbing a dramatic win against Utica College. The Soaring Eagles managed a weekend sweep, and honestly, their grit on the ice was something to see.

After a tough start, Elmira College rallied in the last period and snatched the game. Fans were glued to every second, barely able to sit still.

This blog post dives into the game’s highlights, the key players, and what this win could mean for the rest of Elmira’s season.

Elmira College’s Thrilling Victory Over Utica

On a cold Saturday in Utica, N.Y., Elmira College women’s hockey team faced the Utica Pioneers. The Soaring Eagles, decked out in Purple and Gold, had just come off a home win the night before and wanted to keep the streak alive.

But things didn’t start smoothly. Utica’s Elliana Lasher jumped on a defensive mistake and scored on a breakaway in the first period.

First Period: A Rocky Start

The opening period just didn’t go Elmira’s way. Utica played aggressively, locking down their defense and giving Elmira no easy chances.

Lasher’s early goal, after she stole the puck at the EC blue line, only added more pressure. Elmira tried to answer back, but Utica’s defense held strong.

They couldn’t break through in the first. The team needed to regroup during the break and figure out how to flip the script.

Second Period: A Stalemate

The second period had both teams scrambling for control. Elmira started to settle in, finally creating some real scoring chances and tightening up their defense.

Utica’s goalie, though, just kept shutting the door. She made a handful of big saves, keeping Elmira off the board.

By the end of the period, the tension was thick. No one could find the net, and it set up a wild finish.

Third Period: The Comeback

With just over 13 minutes left, Elmira’s Sarah Waszkielewicz took matters into her own hands. She charged out of the neutral zone and fired a perfect shot into the top corner, tying it 1-1.

That goal fired everyone up. The Soaring Eagles suddenly looked like they believed again.

Not long after, with about six minutes left, Savannah Barber made a slick move. She drew in two Pioneer defenders and slipped the puck to Amber Meluzio, who buried it for the game-winner.

The Elmira bench went wild. They’d taken a 2-1 lead, and you could feel the momentum shift.

Key Players and Performances

This win was a group effort, but a few players really stood out:

• Sarah Waszkielewicz: Her game-tying goal completely changed the mood. Calm under pressure, she delivered when it mattered.
• Savannah Barber: Barber’s assist on the winner showed off her creativity and vision.
• Amber Meluzio: Meluzio finished the play, finding the net at just the right time.

Elmira’s defense and goaltending also stepped up late. They managed to keep Utica in check and protect that slim lead down the stretch.

Looking Ahead: Next Matchup

Up next, Elmira College heads out for an away game against SUNY Cortland. The puck drops at 1 p.m., and it’s shaping up to be another tough test for the Soaring Eagles.

Honestly, fans should expect another intense game. Elmira’s got their key players rolling, and if they keep this energy, they’re going to be a tough out in the conference.