Sharks Offense Dominates as LIU Defeats Saint Michael's in NEWHA First Round

RELEASE COURTESY OF LIU ATHLTIC COMMUNICAITONS

SYOSSET, N.Y.- Six different players scored as the Long Island University women's ice hockey team continues to make history in its inaugural season, defeating Saint Michael's 7-0, in the New England Women's Hockey Alliance first round playoff game on Wednesday afternoon.
 
Carrigan Umpherville opened up the scoring when the Sharks were on their first power play of the day early in the first period. She brought the puck into the offensive zone and sent it high past the goaltender. Alva Johnsson extended the Sharks lead just six minutes later when she fired the wrist shot past the Purple Knights goaltender. The Purple Knights first look on net didn't come until the 14^th minute of the first, but Kenzie Harmison started strong and made the save.
 
Matilda af Bjur opened up a Sharks' four goal second period when she sent home a one-timer in the ninth minute of the stanza. The scoring would continue as Molly Meyers scored two power play goals within a minute and a half of each other. After she scored her first goal, the Purple Knights gave up another penalty, giving the Sharks a power play opportunity once more. Meyers tipped in a shot from Morgan Schauer, extending the lead to five goals. Linn Thomsen would cap the second period scoring in the 17^th minute, as she scored her first career goal.
 
Six minutes into the third period, Stella Scott scored the team's fourth power play goal of the day. The Purple Knights had a breakaway, one-on-one opportunity, but Harmsion would not be fooled as she made the save.
 
Harmison was a brick wall in net for the Sharks on her way to her second straight win. She made 17 saves and did not allow a goal for her second shutout of the season between the pipes.
 
Meyers finished with a team-best three points, while Thomsen and Umpherville each finished with two points on the day. Umpherville, Thomsen, Meyers, Abby Latorella, and Lauren Spino all had an assist in the game.
 
The Sharks are moving on in the NEWHA Tournament and will take on the No. 1 seed Sacred Heart in the semifinals on Saturday, February 22. Puck drop against the Pioneers at Sullivan Arena is slated for 1:00 p.m.