Middlebury wrapped up its regular season with a 3-1 win at third-ranked Elmira (20-4-1) in a non-conference game. The sixth-ranked Panthers (16-6-2) are the top seed for the upcoming NESCAC Tournament and will host a quarterfinal game on Saturday, February 23rd in Kenyon Arena.
In the first period of action Elmira held a 15-7 edge in shots and faceoff wins, 11-5. However, both defenses played well not allowing any goals in the opening period of play.
In the second period the Panthers came out strong fighting to take the lead. At the 3:39 mark they registered the game's first goal when Julia Wardwell took a slap shot from the point and Lauren Greer tipped it in for the score.
Middlebury stretched out its lead to 2-0 at the 15:13 mark when Emily Fluke made a pass to Katie Mandigo, who tipped it just past Elmira goaltender Lauren Sullivan for the score. The Soaring Eagles were able to cut the lead to one with a power play score with 43 seconds left in the period. Brooke Wilgosh took the slap shot at the top and Cassidy Delainey was able to connect with the tip into the goal.
In the final period of play, the Panthers kept the pressure on and secured the game with a score at the 6:34 mark. Mandigo passed it to Molly Downey, who put it into the back of the net.
Elmira outshot the Panthers 30-23 as Annabelle Jones earned the victory for Middlebury, recording 29 saves in the game. Sullivan suffered the loss for the Soaring Eagles with 20 saves.
BOX SCORE
