Release courtesy of Norwich University Athletics Communications

HORSEHEADS, N.Y.- For the first time since 2020, the eleventh ranked Norwich University Women's Ice Hockey team can call themselves New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) champions after a 2-0 shutout of ninth ranked Elmira College Saturday afternoon at the Murray Athletic Center, recapturing the Tony Mariano Cup. 

When it mattered the most, the last line of defense would not break as the Soaring Eagles peppered Leocadia Clark (Stowe, Vt.) who stopped all 38 shots faced, 30 of which were in the final two periods. Clark only allowed one goal the entire postseason which earned her the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player. 

Also earning All-Tournament Team honors were Emma O'Neill (Hamburg, N.Y.), and junior Melianne Reynolds (Sherbrooke, Que.) who scored the game winning goal early in the second frame. It was the lone goal Elmira's Leonie Kuehberger would allow as it was a goaltending clinic. Aimee Headland (Nottingham, U.K.) would pot the empty netter to seal the deal late in the third.  

Representing Elmira on the All-Tournament Team were forward Holley Riva and goaltender Leonie Kuehberger. 

"Unbelievable shoutout from Leo," said Head Coach Sophie Leclerc Doherty. "It was an unbelievable team win and I can't think of a better way to spend spring break than to get ready for NCAAs."

With the win, the Cadets will head to the NCAA Tournament and await the selection results on March 5. Show will be broadcasted on NCAA.com at 8:30 PM.