PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The No. 7-ranked Plattsburgh State women's hockey team opened its 2025-26 campaign in impressive fashion on Friday afternoon, blanking No. 15 Norwich University, 3-0, at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena. The Cardinals carried their momentum from a perfect exhibition slate into their home opener, controlling play throughout against a tough, nationally ranked opponent. 

The matchup marked the second straight season-opening meeting between the two programs, as Plattsburgh defeated Norwich, 3-1, to begin last year's campaign and later topped the Cadets again, 4-2, in the championship game of the Norwich East-West Hockey Classic.

After a scoreless first period that saw both teams trade quality chances, the Cardinals struck first midway through the second. Sophomore forward Tessa Morris (Grand Island, N.Y.), who led the team with 11 goals last season, picked up right where she left off, burying the opening goal. The play developed off a smooth setup as first-year Zoe Puc (West Palm Beach, Fla.) laid the puck back to sophomore Brooke Terry (Massena, N.Y.), who threaded a pass through to Morris for the finish to put Plattsburgh up 1-0.

The Cardinals doubled their lead early in the third period thanks to a dazzling individual effort from Emily Kasprzak (Niagara, N.Y.). The junior forward went coast to coast, showcasing her skill and poise as she danced past several Cadet defenders before sliding the puck home for her first goal of the season. Morris later secured her second goal of the afternoon with an empty-net tally to seal the 3-0 win.

Junior goaltender Chloe Lewis (Monson, Mass.) was stellar in her first regular-season start of the season, stopping all 21 shots she faced to earn the shutout. Lewis came up with several key saves in the opening two periods, to keep the Cardinals in front and preserve the clean sheet. Plattsburgh outshot the Cadets 28-21 and held Norwich scoreless on four power-play opportunities.

The victory extends Plattsburgh's strong early-season form following a 2-0 exhibition slate that included wins over Castleton and Canton. The Cardinals will look to build on their momentum next weekend as they match up with Endicott on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 3 p.m.