PLATTSBURGH N.Y. – The No. 11-ranked and State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) champion Plattsburgh State Cardinals will begin their journey toward a potential eighth national championship, and their first since 2019, when they take on No. 9-ranked Williams College on Saturday, March 14, at 3 p.m. in an NCAA Division III Women's Ice Hockey Tournament First Round matchup.

TICKET PRICING: Tickets are still on sale for Saturday's NCAA Division III Women's Ice Hockey Tournament First Round game at Lansing Chapman Rink. Fans planning to travel to support the Cardinals can purchase tickets online in advance here. Ticket prices are $7 for adults (includes a $1 fee), $5 for students with a valid ID (includes a $1 fee), $4 for children ages 3–12 (includes a $1 fee), and $5 for seniors ages 60 and older (includes a $1 fee).

ABOUT THE SERIES: Plattsburgh State holds a 14–2 advantage in the all-time series against Williams. The Ephs' two victories over the Cardinals have come in the teams' last two meetings, including a 2–1 win earlier this season in a closely contested game at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena.

ABOUT THE CARDINALS: Plattsburgh State (20-6-1, 12-1-1 SUNYAC) finds itself in the same position as last season, looking to advance to the NCAA Quarterfinals as the Cardinals aim to punch their ticket to the program's 16th national semifinal appearance. In their quest for an eighth national championship, Plattsburgh State will look to continue its strong play into the NCAA Tournament.

Plattsburgh State is fresh off last weekend's 5–1 SUNYAC Championship victory over Cortland, which moved the Cardinals up one spot to No. 11 in the USCHO.com Women's Division III Top-15 Poll. Offensively, Plattsburgh State is averaging 3.4 goals per game, while its defense has been the team's strength, posting a goals-against average of just 1.3.

The Cardinals feature a balanced offensive attack this season, led by five All-SUNYAC honorees. Junior forward Emily Kasprzak (Niagara Falls, N.Y./Pittsburgh Penguins Elite) leads the team with 26 points on seven goals and a team-high 19 assists. First-year forward Bailey MacKellar (Hamburg, N.Y./Nichols School), the SUNYAC Rookie of the Year, has totaled 21 points on 13 goals and eight assists, including a team-best seven goals and 13 points in conference play. SUNYAC Tournament MVP junior Sydnee Francis totaled two goals and two assists during the Cardinals' postseason run, while sophomore Kate Conlon, an All-Tournament Team honoree, recorded three goals in the postseason to help spark the Cardinals' offense down the stretch.

Senior defender Taya Balfour (Moorestown, N.J./Philadelphia Jr. Flyers), the SUNYAC Defensive Player of the Year, has also been a major offensive contributor, posting 21 points on seven goals and 14 assists. First-year forward Zoe Puc (West Palm Beach, Fla./Florida Alliance) has added 22 points of her own, tallying eight goals and 14 assists, while sophomore defender Seoyoung Yoo (Yongin, Republic of Korea/Ontario Hockey Academy) has contributed eight points and 28 blocked shots, helping anchor a lockdown defensive unit.

Plattsburgh State's defense has been the cornerstone of the team's success. Balfour and Yoo anchor a back end that allows just 1.3 goals per game while limiting opponents to 18 shots per contest. The unit is complemented by junior Maeghan Forsyth (Billings, Mont./Notre Dame Hounds), senior Su-An Cho (Madison, Ala./Florida Alliance), first-year Lauren Farris, who recorded her first collegiate goal in the Cardinals' SUNYAC Championship victory over Cortland, and junior Adriana Urban (Monroe, N.J./Hoosac School), who earned SUNYAC All-Tournament Team honors for her postseason performance.

In goal, sophomore Maddy Stetson (Wasilla, Alaska/Little Caesars) has excelled in net, appearing in 15 games with 13 starts. She has posted a 11-2-1 record, a 0.81 goals-against average, and a .954 save percentage, providing the Cardinals with a steady presence between the pipes. 

Head Coach Kevin Houle holds a 537-75-29 career record and is seeking his 8th national championship in his illustrious career. Houle and his staff were also recognized for their efforts this season, earning SUNYAC Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

ABOUT THE EPHS: Williams (17-4-5, 9-3-4 NESCAC) comes off a 0–3 loss to Amherst in the NESCAC semifinals before receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Williams features a productive offensive unit that has scored 71 goals this season, averaging 2.7 goals per game. Senior forward Lucie Bond and senior Charlotte Fetherston each lead the Ephs with 18 points, combining for 10 goals and eight assists. Junior Savana Littlewood has also been a key contributor with 18 points on five goals and 13 assists. Sophomore Zoe Rosenberg has added 16 points, while senior Jaelyn Keiver has contributed 15 points to complement the team's balanced scoring attack.

In goal, senior Erin Pye has been a steady presence between the pipes, posting a 14‑4‑4 record with a 1.21 goals‑against average and a .964 save percentage. Backup goaltender Eva Bentley has also provided quality minutes with a .935 save percentage. 

WHAT'S NEXT: The winner of this game will travel to River Falls, Wisconsin, to face two-time defending national champion Wisconsin–River Falls in the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals.