WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 1, 2024) – The Western New England women's ice hockey team earned a hard-fought opening night victory, coming from behind to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 5-2 win in the final 40 minutes of the game. Mabel Gerard led Western New England with a goal and three assists, while Ziya Damas scored twice and added an assist for the Golden Bears in their win over the Salve Regina University Seahawks.

Records:

• Western New England: 1-0
• Salve Regina University: 0-1

How it Happened:

The Golden Bears controlled play early in the first period, earning their first power play just 3:46 into the frame. Salve Regina managed the only shot on goal during that power play, with Gina Richard's shot stopped by Kayla Ireland. Although Western New England couldn't capitalize on their first power play, they quickly gained another chance at the 7:33 mark. Despite creating multiple opportunities, no goals were scored. Ziya Damas, Zoe Galanoudis, and Brie Dube each had shots on goal, all saved by Salve's Sydney Baxter.

Back-to-back shots by Salve's Taylor Stirling sparked some offensive momentum for the Seahawks, but no goals resulted. Western New England earned a third power-play chance in the first period but managed just one shot, saved after Alexa Paoli's attempt. Salve Regina struck first shortly after the power play expired, with the Pereira duo, Reese and Emma, combining to put the Seahawks up 1-0. With 1:11 left in the period, Salve scored again as Ashtyn Bringardner received a pass from Emily Wroblewski and fired it into the top left corner, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead. Despite outshooting Salve Regina 12-4, Western New England found themselves trailing by two goals after the first 20 minutes.

The Golden Bears opened the second period on the power play, carried over from the first period. This time, they didn't miss, scoring just 12 seconds into the period. Jenna Lynch opened the scoring for Western New England after a face-off win from Mabel Gerard, taking the puck into the slot and netting her first goal of the season to cut Salve Regina's lead in half. Shortly after, Western New England equalized when Ziya Damas passed to Alana Bouthillette, who sent the puck toward the goal. Gerard found the loose puck in front of the net and scored her first career goal for the Golden Bears, tying the game at two and picking up her second point of the night.

Salve Regina began to find an offensive rhythm following Western New England's goal, with Grace Dumond taking three consecutive shots, though she couldn't beat goalie Kayla Ireland. Midway through the period, Western New England regained momentum, recording three straight shots from Zoe Galanoudis, Julia Roman, and Alyssa Murphy, though none reached the back of the net. The Golden Bears took their first lead of the season with 5:46 remaining in the second period when Ziya Damas scored her first goal, assisted by Gerard and Alexa Paoli, to make it 3-2. Dominating possession for the remainder of the period, Western New England carried a one-goal lead into the third period after outshooting Salve Regina 20-7 in the second period. Baxter made 17 saves for Salve during that period.

The Seahawks attempted to cut into the Golden Bears' lead early in the third period when Morgan Peritz took a shot, but it was saved by Ireland. Six minutes in, another attempt by Gina Richard was also stopped, keeping Salve off the board. Western New England extended their lead with a fourth goal on the power play midway through the third period when Ziya Damas scored again, assisted by Gerard. The Golden Bears added a final goal to secure their victory as Michaela Birmingham scored unassisted, taking it end-to-end to seal the 5-2 win. Although Salve Regina outshot Western New England 13-7 in the third period, Ireland's 13 saves ensured the victory.

Inside the Lines:

• Mabel Gerard shined in her team debut, tallying a goal, three assists, a 14/17 face-off record, and a +2 rating.
• Ziya Damas contributed two goals and an assist on four shots, with three on goal.
• Six different Golden Bears earned points in the win.
• Junior goalie Kayla Ireland made 22 saves, allowing only two goals in the first period.
• Sydney Baxter made 34 saves for Salve Regina, allowing all five goals.
• Western New England improves to 7-2-1 all-time against Salve Regina, marking their first non-conference meeting.

Up Next on the Schedule:

• WNE returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, November 2, at 3:00 PM, taking on the UMass-Boston Beacons on the road.