Boxscore

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – In a penalty-filled game, RIT scored two power-play goals late in the third period to defeat the Plattsburgh State women’s hockey team, 2-1, in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) West Championship game at Ritter Arena.  The Cardinals fall to 20-4-3 on the season, while the Tigers improve to 24-1-2 and claim their first ECAC West Title.

With the game scoreless after two periods, Kristin Maton took a shot from the point that found the back of the net five minutes into the third period to put the Cardinals on the board first. Teal Gove and Brittany Meade picked up assists on Maton’s first collegiate goal.

After some pushing and shoving in front of the Plattsburgh net, RIT tied the game on the power play.  Tenecia Hiller tied the game at 1-1 with 6:24 left when she knocked home a rebound off a shot by Traci Galbraith.  Four minutes later, Kourtney Kunichika tallied the game-winner from Arianne Yokoyama and Hiller.

The Cardinals went 0-for-5 on the power play, while RIT was 2-for-7.  The Tigers outshot Plattsburgh, 31-22.

Both goaltenders gave solid efforts with Plattsburgh’s Mandy Mackrell recording 29 saves against the Tigers.  RIT goaltender Laura Chamberlain turned away 22 shots.

Maton and Gove were named to the 2011 ECAC West All-Tournament Team.

The Cardinals’ postseason hopes rest in the hands on the NCAA selection committee.  Plattsburgh will await its fate, which will be determined with the announcement of the NCAA Tournament selections scheduled for Monday morning.