Westfield, Mass.— Worcester State has been selected by the coaches around the league to win the inaugural MASCAC Women’s Ice Hockey title when play begins next week. 

Receiving four of the six first place votes, the Lancers look to continue their success after winning their third straight Eastern Collegiate Hockey Alliance (EHCA) title last season. Returning in goal is Kelsey Czerniawski who finished with a 1.91 GAA, 503 saves and a .930 save percentage,  including 23 saves in the ECHA Championship last year. 

Grabbing the final two first place votes is  Anna Maria in a tie for second place.  Jordyn Bleaney tallied 17 points on seven goals and 10 points last season for the  AMCATS. She also had two power play goals and two game- winners. 

Tying for second with Anna Maria are Plymouth State and Rivier. The Panthers join the MASCAC after competing in the NEHC. Between the pipes, Teagan Wilson logged over 240 minutes in seven starts, posting a 2.56 GAA and .935 save percentage. She made 259 total saves and posted a shutout.

Rivier looks to continue their success after finding themselves in the EHCA title game last season for their best finish in school history.  Back for the Raiders is All-ECHA honoree Molly Dukesherer who netted seven goals with two assists for nine points, including three power-play tallies and two game-winners.

Rounding out this year’s preseason poll are MCLA and Framingham State in fifth and sixth, respectively. For the Trailblazers, Rebekah Ade returns after  leading the team with six goals and nine assists for 15 points to earn ECHA honors. The Rams will be in their first season as a varsity team under head coach Robert Lavin. 

The inaugural women’s ice hockey season gets underway October 31-November 1 with non-conference action and culminates with the first-ever MASCAC Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament beginning on February 26. Grab all the details at mascac.com and mascac.tv.

 

(First Place Votes In Parentheses)

 

1. Worcester State (4) - 24 points

2. Anna Maria (2) - 17 points

Plymouth State - 17 points

Rivier - 17 points

5. MCLA - 9 points

6. Framingham State - 6 points