Women’s Ice Hockey Blanks Plymouth St., 3-0

NASHUA, N.H. – Behind a 44-save performance from senior goaltender Rachel Hinkley, the Rivier women's hockey team earned a 3-0 victory over Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) rival Plymouth St. on Saturday afternoon at Conway Arena during Hockey Fights Cancer Night.

With the win, the Raiders improved to 8-8-0 (5-2-0 MASCAC), while the Panthers dropped to 10-6-1 (6-1-1 MASCAC).

After a scoreless first period, the Raiders capitalized on a power play early in the second. First-year Keegan McGaheran intercepted a pass in the attacking zone and fed junior Molly Dukesherer, who backhanded a pass to sophomore Rebecca McKelvey. McKelvey slotted her shot past the Panthers' goaltender, giving Rivier a 1-0 lead with 17:10 remaining in the period.

Rivier doubled its advantage later in the period with another power-play goal. Senior Breezy Parent set up junior Olivia Schultz for a shot that was parried wide, allowing McGaheran to tap in her fifth goal of the season, closing the frame with a 2-0 lead. 

The Raiders sealed the victory in the final moments of the third period as Graduate student Heather McHatton intercepted a pass in the neutral zone and found McKelvey, who slipped her shot through the goalie's legs for her second goal of the game, cementing the 3-0 win.

Hinkley's shutout was her third of the season.

Rivier returns to action on Friday, Jan. 31 against Worcester St. in a road matchup at the DCU Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:15 p.m.