The University of Delaware Blue Hens women’s hockey team began their College Hockey East (CHE) playoff run in dominant fashion, controlling nearly every aspect of a 5-0 shutout of Pitt on Saturday afternoon (March 3) at S&T Bank Arena in Indiana, Pa.
Winger Carlie Smythe had a hand in all save one of the Blue Hens’ five goals, opening the scoring at 15:56 in the first period before assisting linemate Courtney Marino 3:02 into the second. Panthers goalie Katie Pucci, who held her own through the first 40 minutes, began to unravel early in the third period when Smythe recorded her second goal of the game at the 2:48 mark. Amanda Gallagher followed with the fourth Delaware tally 37 seconds later, and captain Mary Claire Newtown tickled the twine from a Smythe assist at 7:14 to give the Hens their fifth goal.
It was a light afternoon for Carlie Smythe’s sister Kendall, who handled Delaware’s goaltending responsibilities in the first-round matchup. Kendall turned aside all 12 Pitt shots she faced.
Delaware returns to action Sunday (March 4), when they face Buffalo for the CHE championship. The Bulls came from behind to defeat Liberty, 5-4, in the second semifinal.
For a closer look from Ed Major II of Pittsburgh Hockey Digest, follow this link.
