Knights girls hockey wins CHSL title
By: Alexis Bohlinger on March 25, 2021
https://www.grossepointenews.com/articles/knights-girls-hockey-wins-chsl-title/?fbclid=IwAR1OW3oCpPL14rjwWII2W9B7U5Jt0Jpt8SUQEvbNXEIEBEtAFU5xRr6I2VE

The University Liggett School Knights girls varsity hockey team won the Catholic League Championship in a 3-2 overtime win versus the defending champions, the Mercy Marlins. After being postponed and rescheduled, both teams showed up healthy and ready to play at McCann Ice Arena Saturday, March 20, in what turned out to be a close, competitive game.

There were 13 penalties logged between both teams that led to four power-play goals in regulation play.

“It was a tough, physical game that certainly pushed our girls,” Liggett head coach Greg Paddison said. “Although I thought we controlled the play, Mercy did an excellent job of capitalizing on their opportunities when they did get them.”

The Knights took a 1-0 lead just 5 minutes into the first period with a power-play goal from Allyson Doppke, assisted by Emmalyn Stahl. The Marlins tied the game 1-1 with just seconds remaining in the first with a rebound goal from Ashley Manning, assisted by Allison Fergin and Elise Brown.

Entering the third period still tied, the Marlins capitalized on a Knight’s penalty and took the 2-1 lead on a power-play goal from Brown, assisted by Riley Hollis and Fergin.

The Knights continued to pressure the Marlins and were able to tie the game 2-2 on an unassisted power-play goal from Estes Sullivan with 5 minutes remaining in the game.

The Marlins grew exhausted having a short bench of only 10 players while the Knights continued to build steam. The overtime winning goal came from Sofie Ancona on a top-shelf slap shot ending the game 3-2 in the Knights favor.

“Ultimately, I think our depth was the deciding factor,” Paddison said. “As the game wore on, we continued to lean on Mercy with a mindset of making them earn every inch of ice and by the start of the third period, we could see their players getting tired. It was an excellent shot in the third after a bit of a fluke play gave them the lead, but our girls maintained their focus and never stopped believing in themselves.”

Paddison commented that Mercy goaltender Daria Rorick played an outstanding game, controlling rebounds and seeing shot after shot.

“There were a few occasions where our girls had their hands in the air thinking they had scored, only to have their goalie make an unbelievable stop,” he said.

The Knights begin their state championship playoffs this week and hope the momentum built from the Catholic League victory will prepare them to face their upcoming competition.

“I really think that this game was ideal leading into playoffs,” Paddison said. “We were able to pull off the victory, but I think this game sent our girls a bit of a wakeup call. Now is the time when we really need to dial it up.”