HOCKEY pg

SPORTS

Ice hockey pushes to 1-9-1 in the MASCAC

By Sara Senesac Sports Editor

The Rams’ ice hockey team hosted the Salem State Vikings for a conference matchup Jan. 25.

Less than one minute into play, Salem’s Connor Woolley snuck one in to put the Vikings on the board early.

A few minutes later, sophomore Bryan Whelan scored with a wristshot to bring the match to a 1-1 tie at the five-minute mark.

The Vikings scored once more to take the lead just a short 30 seconds later, leaving the Rams trailing by one at the end of the first period.

Salem extended their lead once more early in the second when Richard Coyle scored off a pass from Matt Yianacopolous.

Freshman Matthew Paiotti capitalized on a Rams powerplay in the third, where he scored off a rebound and cut the Vikings’ lead to one. With less than seven minutes to play, a pass from junior Soren Colstrup allowed Paiotti to secure his second goal of the game, and tie the match 3-3.

Colstrup said, “Matt Paiotti had a really nice game, getting two goals for us in the third period. Blake Carleson also played great in net. He was able to stop the bleeding early on.”

Neither team was able to score in overtime, and the match ended with a 3-3 tie between Framingham and Salem.

Colstrup added, “[It] was a fun game to play in. We didn’t start off the way we wanted … but it was nice that we were able to claw our way back to a tie by the end of the game.”

FRAMINGHAM STATE 3 SALEM STATE 3

The Rams traveled to New Hampshire to take on the New England College Pilgrims for non-conference action Jan. 28.

The Pilgrims set the tone early, scoring their first goal just 35 seconds into the game.

NEC dominated most of the first period, outshooting the Rams 20-4. They managed to secure an additional goal in the last minute of play, leaving the Rams to trail by two points heading into the second. Four minutes into the second period, junior Brenden Williams scored off a pass from classmate Walker Hamilton, cutting the Pilgrims’ lead in half.

NEC responded shortly after, extending their lead to 3-1 over Framingham. The Pilgrims managed to score three more goals by the end of the match, securing a 6-1 victory over the Rams.

Colstrup said, “Tuesday’s game was tough … It was a tough loss losing 6-1 to a non-conference opponent, but we’re looking forward to the last seven conference games of the year, which sets us up to still make the playoffs if we finish on a good note.

“The one bright side was Greg Harney, who played unbelievable,” Colstrup added. Harney totaled 48 saves for the Rams by the end of the match.

They are now 2-14-2 overall and 1-9-1 in the MASCAC. Framingham hosts UMass Dartmouth for a MASCAC game Feb. 6.

[Editor’s Note: Soren Colstrup is a staff writer for The Gatepost.]

NEW HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE 6 FRAMINGHAM STATE 1

CONNECT WITH SARA SENESAC ssenesac@student.framingham.edu

“Plus, with great leadership from our captains and our coaching staff, we have a really good thing going. When the ball goes in everything is much easier, we have amazing shooters who can shoot from anywhere at any time, plus with our bigs being able to stretch the court and pull a three helps a lot with our offense.”

The entire team has played a huge part in their success so far, some individuals to highlight are Velozo, O’Day, Cunningham, and Flannery O’Connor.

O’Connor is a freshman and started the season on the bench, but it did not take long for her to crack the starting lineup.

After breaking into a starting role, O’Connor has excelled. She currently leads the MASCAC in field goal percentage (52.7%) and sits in second for blocks per game (1.6) and total blocks with 31, while scoring the eighth most points per game with 12.2.

“It has definitely been hard to get adjusted to college play, but I wouldn’t be learning as much about the game if it wasn’t for my teammates,” O’Connor said. “I give them all the credit. We have great communication and we all share a love for basketball, so I think that has made it a lot easier.”

With O’Connor making a run for Rookie of the Year, the reigning Rookie of the Year -Cunningham - has performed well in her second time around. The game managing point guard has always been able to control the flow of the game, and it is shown through her assist totals.

She currently sits in second for both assists per game (3.6) and total assists with 68. While most players experience a sophomore slump, Cunningham is still producing at the point guard position.

“I love playing on this team, I go into practice every day looking around and just appreciating where I am,” Cunningham said. “My teammates have become great friends of mine and the season has been rewarding and fun.”

O’Day is once again having a tremendous season as she sits in the top three for points per game for the third year in a row with 18.1 points per game this year.

To go along with that, O’Day also is currently second in rebounds per game (8.7), total rebounds (165), 3-point field goal percentage Continued from page 1

(39.6%), and sits in the top three for multiple other stats.

“I have to give my teammates and coaches all of the credit. They are the ones who put me in a position where I am able to be successful,” O’Day said. “I could not do it without them, and I am very grateful to be a part of such an amazing organization. I could not be the player I am without them.”

While O’Day is making a case for Player of the Year, her teammate Velozo is right there with her.

The dominant guard has come into her own this year and elevated her overall game to new levels, improving drastically on offense.

She currently leads the MASCAC in 3-point percentage (47.3%), and is second in points per game with 18.7, as well as in the top three in almost every offensive statistic.

“The only thing I can attribute to this is hard work. The offseason is the best season and it is the most important season for a player who wants to develop their skills,” Velozo said. “It is important for a player to never be satisfied with their performance in any past seasons, because if they are, they won’t strive to be even greater.”

With a MASCAC Finals loss last season, the Rams have come back revamped and ready to dominate the conference.

“We want the championship of course,” O’Connor said. “But we focus on each game at a time, definitely getting better each day at practice is huge as well.”

“Our ultimate goal for this season is to win the championship,” O’Day said. “We have come very close in years past but have not been able to pull it off. Hopefully, this is the year we are able to come out on top.”

“The plan to achieve that goal is to get better each and every day as a team at practice,” Velozo said. “And to not take any teams lightly and take it one game at a time until we reach that goal.”

There are still six games left in the regular season, but get ready for the MASCAC Playoffs, as the Rams will surely make an exciting run.

CONNECT WITH LIAM GAMBON lgambon1@student.framingham.edu