KEENE, N.H. (November 8, 2024) – The Western New England women's ice hockey team recorded their second straight shutout against a Little East Conference opponent, this time defeating the Owls of Keene State by a final score of 4-0. Jenna Lynch netted two goals for WNE, while Rachel Irving earned her second consecutive shutout, making all 27 saves in the win.

Records:

• Western New England: 3-0
• Keene State College: 1-2

How it Happened: 

Rachel Irving made the first two saves of the night early in the game as Keene State's Brianna Finke tested the first-year goalkeeper twice in quick succession. Western New England's first shot came from Valarie DuVal, who was denied by Makenna Montgomery, KSC's starting keeper. Both teams had momentum at points in the first period. Keene State had an early power play but couldn't capitalize, as did WNE on their chance. The Golden Bears scored their first goal on a power play when Jenna Lynch found the net with an assist from Mabel Gerard, giving the Golden Bears a 1-0 lead. Western New England controlled much of the play for the rest of the first period but couldn't add another goal, ending the frame with a one-goal lead. The Golden Bears recorded 20 shots on goal in the opening period, with KSC's Montgomery making 19 saves. Irving stopped all nine shots for the Golden Bears.

Both Brianna Finke and Emma McNeil picked up shots on goal to start the second period for the Owls, but Irving denied them, keeping Keene State off the scoreboard. The Golden Bears maintained offensive pressure in the second period and recorded their second goal of the game as Lynch scored again, taking another pass from Gerard and burying the puck in the net to give WNE a two-goal lead. Zoe Galanoudis also earned an assist on Lynch's second goal of the night. Western New England controlled possession for most of the second period and had two power-play opportunities but couldn't convert either one. With just seven seconds remaining in the period, Western New England scored again with a goal from Ziya Damas, assisted by Kelsey Joiner and Brie Dube, extending the Golden Bears' lead to 3-0 after two periods. WNE outshot Keene State 14-10 in the period, while Keene State successfully killed all three of their penalties.

The power play to open the third period didn't result in a goal for Western New England, but the visitors remained consistent, maintaining offensive control. Western New England added one more goal when AnnaBelle Calvanese scored her first collegiate goal, assisted by Alana Bouthillette, to make it 4-0. The Owls found their rhythm late in the third period, challenging Rachel Irving with multiple shots, but Irving stopped every attempt to secure her second consecutive shutout with 27 saves, as the Golden Bears won 4-0 on Friday night.

Inside the Lines:

• Jenna Lynch scored twice in the win, with Mabel Gerard assisting on both goals for WNE.
• AnnaBelle Calvanese scored her first career goal in the victory.
• WNE outshot Keene State 52-27 in the game. KSC's Makenna Montgomery made 48 saves.
• Rachel Irving earned another clean sheet with 27 saves in the 4-0 shutout.
• WNE won 33 of 57 faceoffs in the game.

Up Next on the Schedule:

• The Golden Bears return to home ice for the first time in eight days to take on Worcester State University at the Olympia Ice Center on Saturday, November 9 at 7:00 PM.