Stewart nets four as Cardinals shut out Lakers BY RICKY ST. CLAIR
PLATTSBURGH — Shannon Stewart did something Saturday that only four players had accomplished in Plattsburgh State’s illustrious program history.
The Pickering, Ont., native totaled four goals, while Teal Gove added five points as the No.1-ranked Cardinals (12-0-1, 6-0 ECAC West) remained unbeaten by blanking Oswego State 8-0 at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena.
The line of Stewart, Gove and Morgan MacInnis accumulated 12 points on the afternoon.
“It’s not easy getting four goals, especially as a sophomore, but I’m pretty excited,” Stewart said. “Our line did really well (Saturday). We’ve been working hard and have been together for over a year now, so the chemistry
is helping.”
Stewart showed on-ice versatility by beating Lakers (7-7-1, 6-3) starting goaltender Bridget Smith on two wrist shots from the top of the circle. Then, the second-year forward was found streaking through the neutral zone, beating Smith and replacement Tori Trovato with finesse moves on consecutive breakaway chances.
“She’s really come into her own and has been a difference-maker for us so far this year,” Plattsburgh coach Kevin Houle said. “She can really shoot the puck. She can shoot, she can score, and it was a great game for her.”
Smith, who had posted impressive numbers through 14 games with Oswego this season, was peppered with shots right from the get-go — facing 13 in the first period.
Stewart and Chelsea VanGlahn managed to cash in markers in an eight minute and 36-second span before Smith was yanked by coach Diane Dillon.
“We were pretty intimidated by looking at someone that tall (six-foot), and I can’t say we see that a lot,” Stewart said. “We didn’t play as good as we could’ve in the first, but we were fortunate to have the puck go in.”
Plattsburgh extended its advantage to 7-0 with Stewart’s fourth and final tally, while freshman Giovanna Senese was able to register her first colligate marker at the 18:28 mark.
Sydney Aveson was credited with the win between the pipes, fending off all 18 shots faced, while standing tall on multiple odd-man rush opportunities and a breakaway early in the second period to secure the shutout.
“I thought (Oswego) had some great chances to score and some real good looks in the first period off the rush, and she stood tall and made the saves when she had to,” Houle said. “And in the second…point blank right away and the breakaway shortly thereafter. If they score on those opportunities, or one of those opportunities, it’s a potentially a different game.”
After the eight-goal drubbing, the Cardinals will be back at it with the Lakers this afternoon for a 3 p.m. contest.
“We knew coming into these games that they’re just as big — if not bigger than Norwich because four conference points are on the line,” Stewart said. “It’s all about how you approach it mentally. I think if we work to our potential, we’ll be OK.”