Women's Hockey Victorious on Senior Night!

Saranac Lake, NY ~ The Paul Smith's College women's hockey team took two games from league opponents this weekend as they gear up for the 2023 IWCHL Final Four.  They defeated the Norwich University Cadets 2-1 on Saturday night and cruised to a 7-1 victory on Sunday against the Westfield State University Owls.

On Saturday, it was senior night for the Lady Bobcats, and they celebrated by beating the Cadets for the first time in program history.  Lia Poggio (Cumming, GA) got things started with a missile from the point halfway through the first period.  Poggio teed up a powerful slapshot that beat the goalie's low blocker side, putting the Bobcats up 1-0.

"Every matchup against Norwich is going to be a tough game, both physcially and mentally.  But we stuck together, had great puck support, and suppressed their scoring chances despite having a small bench," said Poggio.  "It's absolutely amazing to see the growth of this team from only winning a handful of games last year to being ranked second in the league this year.  The whole team has worked so hard to be where we are today and it is guaranteed that we come out swinging to bring the championship home."

Freshman forward Leah Coulombe (Champlain, NY) continued her impressive season, adding to her team-leading goals mark in the middle frame after getting tripped at center ice, drawing a delayed penalty in the process.  Coulombe was taken down by a Norwich defender, but had the wherewithal and skill to get up and continue on the breakaway.  She made a nice forehand fake before tucking the puck on her backhand past the Cadets goalie.  Norwich would get one back, but sophomore goaltender Franka Piluso (Whitby, Ont.) would shut the door for Paul Smith's College.  Piluso finished with 24 saves for the win and took home player of the game honors for the Bobcats.

Celebrating seniors Charlotte Kline (Worthington, OH), Sam Peters (Northfield, OH), and Poggio, the Bobcats pulled inspiration from the crowd, including friends, family, and people from the Paul Smith's College campus and community.  An estimated 150 fans were in attendance, and the support helped the team gain the momentum needed to finally get a win over their league rival.  

On Sunday, it was an easy victory, as the Paul Smith's College women's hockey team closed out its regular season against Westfield State, playing at a neutral site at the Albany Capital Center.  Poggio continued her strong weekend, contributing 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points.  Coulombe added a hat trick and an assist, while Leola Brown (Brooklyn, NY) and Alli Cherry (Grasonville, MD) scored solo goals.  Poggio was named player of the game for her impressive performance. 

The Bobcats travel to North Andover, MA this upcoming weekend where they will take on the University of New England in the IWCHL Adirondack Division Final Four.  They play the Nor'easters at 2:40pm at Gallant Arena on the Merrimack College campus.  If they win, they will play for the winner of UMass-Lowell and Norwich on Sunday.  

You can follow the Paul Smith's College women's hockey team on Instagram at @pscwomenshockey or the general athletics account at @smitty_nation for schedules, scores, and updates. 

Go Bobcats!

Seniors Charlotte Kline (#11), Sam Peters (#4), and Lia Poggio (#14)

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu »