Stonehill’s Skyhawks look to soar this season.
The Stonehill Skyhawks women’s ice hockey team is a NCAA NC team out of Easton, Massachusetts. They are a rising team in New England, trying to be the top dog in a highly competitive conference.
The Skyhawks opened their campaign with an exhibition game on Sept. 20, at Boston College, where they fell 5-2. This matchup served as a wakeup call ahead of their regular‐season start.
Stonehill’s regular season began in early October on Oct. 3, with a 3-2 loss at home against Syracuse University. Senior Gracie Sacca set the tone early by scoring just 11 seconds into the game, and sophomore Reagan Whynot added her first collegiate goal while also blocking 5 shots. Goaltender Eve Stone made 39 saves on 42 shots. Despite the strong fight, the Skyhawks couldn’t complete the comeback. The following day, they were defeated again by Syracuse 8-2 on Oct. 4.
Things looked grim as conference play began. The team visited Saint Anselm College and dropped a 3-1 conference game. Stonehill drew first with a goal by Lily Geist, but Saint Anselm responded and sealed the win, including an empty‐netter in the final minute. The power-play woes were evident; Stonehill went 0-for-3 in that game.
Luckily for the Skyhawks, things would start to turn around. They would go on a five game winning streak following the Saint Anselm matchup.
A key highlight of the season came on Oct. 17, when Stonehill earned its first victory of the season, defeating Sacred Heart University 3-2 in overtime. Senior Maddi Achtyl scored a hat trick (including the OT winner), assisted by senior Bailey Feeney, while sophomore goaltender Alexsa Caron stopped 45 of 47 shots. The sequence included Stonehill building a 2-0 lead, Sacred Heart rallying to tie late in regulation, and the Skyhawks finishing it in OT. The momentum carried into the next day with a 2-0 win over Sacred Heart. Stonehill outshot the Pioneers 80-67, their defense blocked many chances, and Eve Stone recorded a shutout with 43 saves.
As for their rising stars, the Skyhawks have had three players get conference awards this fall. The week of Oct. 7 saw Reagan Whynot be named the NEWHA player of the week. She scored her first collegiate goal in the season opener against Syracuse and added her first assist of the season in the game after. She led the Skyhawks over the opening weekend with 2 points and 5 blocked shots. The week of Oct, 21 saw Maddi Achtyl be named NEWHA player of the week for scoring 4 goals in two games against Sacred Heart, along with having her first hat trick. Eve Stone was named NEWHA Goaltender of the week for saving 42 shots against Sacred Heart, and had their first sweep of the season.
As of now, the Skyhawks are still building momentum. They’ve shown they can win close games in the NEWHA, which bodes well for the rest of the season. They have been on a roll, winning five out of the past seven NEWHA games they have played. If they can improve their scoring depth and sustain their defensive and goaltending efforts, they’ll have a chance to climb in the standings. Their next matchup is Saturday night against Franklin Pierce.