The Beacons had a bitter weekend in New York, losing a pair of games to Manhattanville College by the same score of 11-1. UMB’s record stands at 6-8-1.
Manhattanville came into the game ranked number one in the nation, according to the United State College Hockey Online Poll. The Valiants have a Patriotesque 14-1-1 record. The team is dominant in both the offensive and defensive ends, scoring 113 goals while allowing a mere 21. Although Manhattanville came into the game with the credentials of a number one ranked team, Coach Laura Schuler was not pleased.
“I didn’t necessarily expect wins, but I definitely didn’t expect blowouts.”
The Valiants were stellar on the power play over the weekend, converting on seven out of eight chances. UMB goaltenders faced a barrage of shots, a grand total of 80 for two games. Schuler was disappointed in the play of the goaltenders.
“It was not good at all. Manhattanville scored some tough goals, but there were way too many soft goals given up by us.”
Andrea Ciarletta and Melissa Belmonte were the only Beacons to get the puck past Manhattanville’s goaltenders.
After a warm and fuzzy December, hard reality has descended on the team. Although talented, the squad is young and inexperienced. Also, playing in one of the more competitive conferences in the nation will add to the growing pains of a fledgling program. The team has gone 1-8-1 in its last ten games.
“We’re about where we wanted to be. I really wanted to split [the two game with Southern Maine. We only lost by one goal in each game. Over the winter break, we brought in four new players and perhaps if we had some more time so the newcomers could become familiar with their teammates, we might have pulled out a victory.
The Beacons may have a chance to heat up with some home cooking as they finish the season playing seven of their eight games in the Clark Athletic Center. But whether home or away, the remainder of the season proves to be challenging. “Wesleyan and RPI will be tough,” said Schuler, “but we want to do well against St. Michael’s and Holy Cross. Overall, it’s not going be easy.”
There is still a realistic chance of making the ECAC East tournament. The top six teams participate in postseason play. UMB is currently in seventh place. The Beacons will know if they are among the six teams by February 24.
“If we get one of those six spots,” said Schuler, “then it will be a successful season for us.”
The Beacons will play at Trinity College on Saturday, January 31. The team’s next home game will be on Tuesday, February 3.