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Montclair State University Red Hawks Women's Hockey

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LADY RED HAWKS SOAR IN HOME OPENER

October 27, 2014
6:22 AM EDT

Anticipation for the first Women's Ice Hockey home game has been growing ever since May of 2012. That spring, a small group of determined young women made it their mission to start the first women's ice hockey team at Montclair State. After one season as a probationary club, interest began to grow. In the Fall Semester of 2013 there were only 6 players. Those 6 players worked tirelessly to build interest in the program and practiced two times per week to do their best to develop. Skeptics said it couldn't be done, yet they kept working to get the required 12 players for the following season. As the 2013/2014 season came and went, team captain Jess Coyne continued to recruit. In late July the determination was made that there was enough interest to proceed with the program. Jess, along with the help of teammates, coaches, and the department of campus recreation had solidified 15 commitments from Montclair State students to participate in the newly formed club. Finally, on Saturday, October 25th 2014 the Lady Red Hawks played their first game on home ice.

After a long wait, the women's hockey team hosted the local over 18 women’s hockey program, the NJ Quarry Cats. After suffering a disappointing 9-0 loss in their first scholastic contest against Westchester, players and coaches didn't know what to expect in their second game. As the puck dropped in front of over 100 fans, the Red Hawks did not disappoint. Just under five minutes into the first period, freshman Brittany Meneghin would score her first of three on the afternoon. Meneghin struck again to open up a two goal lead for the Red Hawks with just under a minute remaining in the first period.

In the second period, it was freshman Giulia Bertolotti's turn to find the back of the net. Bertolotti recieved a beautiful pass from teammate and best friend Britt Meneghin to convert on her first collegiate goal. Bertolotti's goal was followed up by Melanie Lawrie's first goal with 8:17 remaining in the second period. Goaltender Emily Olshefski looked sharp throughout the game making several difficult saves. Olshefski turned aside the first 12 Quarry Cat attempts before allowing a goal with 5:52 remaining in the second period.

In the third period, Britt Meneghin added her third to complete the hat trick 45 seconds in. Jenna Verrico would close the scoring and seal the game 6-1 in favor of the Red Hawks. The contest proved to be a game of many firsts; first goals, the first win, and the first time the university was allowed to experience a women's hockey team that they can call their own. Through the hard work of a few individuals, they now have a new program that will continue to grow and develop for years to come at Montclair State University.