After a dominant start to the group stage, the Sault College Cougars women’s hockey team is firmly on track in its pursuit of a fourth consecutive ACHA Division II National Championship in St. Louis, Missouri.
Led by head coach Megan Dubas, the Cougars showed no mercy against their opponents, sweeping all three Group D matchups against Ohio State University, Rowan University, and Providence College.
The three-time defending champions will open Final Four play this Wednesday (18) against the University of Saint Thomas, winners of Group B, at USA Arena/CCIC at 6:00 PM. With a win, the Cougars will advance to Thursday’s (19) championship game against the winner of Boston College vs. Assiniboine College. The final is also scheduled for 6:00 PM at USA Arena/CCIC.
Sault College’s Nationals campaign began on Sunday with their third meeting of the season against Ohio State. Just like in their previous matchups, the Cougars left no doubt about their superiority.
Powered by forward Taryn Sullivan, who recorded two goals and one assist, Sault controlled the pace from the opening puck drop and allowed virtually no response from the Buckeyes. The 8–0 reflected the same dominance seen throughout the regular season series.
Additional goals came from Materia Land, Payton Stos, Maddy Fick, Emma Lee, Hayden Dunn, and Maiana Boissoneau.
The second game presented a tougher challenge, demanding a higher level of focus from the Cougars.
The matchup against Rowan University was tightly contested early, with Danika West opening the scoring in the first period off assists from Matea Glavota and Maddy Fick. Early in the second period, the Profs responded, as Kalena Gruby found the equalizer.
After the brief setback, the Cougars regained control and added three more goals—two from Sullivan and one from Annika Babineau—to secure a 4–1 victory.
In Tuesday afternoon’s (17) decisive matchup, Sault College needed only to maintain its strong form to clinch first place in the group—and did exactly that.
In a hard-fought contest, the Cougars rallied for a 2–1 comeback win over Providence College to finish atop Group D. Katelynn Jacques scored both goals for Sault, while Lauren White netted the lone goal for the Friars.
The result capped off an undefeated group stage, with 14 goals scored and just two allowed.
Schedule
Mar. 18 – Assiniboine College vs. Boston College (USA Arena/CCIC – 3:30 PM)
Mar. 18 – University of Saint Thomas vs. Sault College (USA Arena/CCIC – 6:00 PM)
Mar. 19 – Lower Seeded Semi Winner vs. Higher Seeded Semi Winner (USA Arena/CCIC – 6:00 PM)
Results – Pool D
Sault College 8–0 Ohio State
Sault College 4–1 Rowan University
Sault College 2–1 Providence College
Quick Facts – Nationals
Record: 3–0
Goals For: 14
Goals Against: 2
Head Coach: Megan Dubas (1st season)
Top Scorer: Taryn Sullivan – 5 points (4G, 1A)
Source: Thiago Neuenschwander
