March 12, 2005

Erie, Pa. - The Wayne State women's hockey team suffered its fifth straight loss to Niagara University in the first round of the Central Hockey Association (CHA) conference tournament 3-0 at the Mercyhurst Ice Center on Saturday, March 12.

The Purple Eagles got on the board first as Charde Holyle-Levy trickled home a shot off the pads of freshman net minder Val Turcotte (Jonquire, Ont./Royal Metabetchouan) at the 17:18 mark of the first period.

Less than two minutes after the goal, NU increased its lead when Jessica Clermont fired a slap shot past Turcotte as NU was on the power play.

WSU had its best chance in the period when it had a two-skater advantage took five shots but were unable to score.

The Warriors held a 14-10 shot advantage in the stanza but were unable to capitalize as Niagara took a 2-0 lead into the break.

Neither team scored in the second period. WSU freshman Ashley King (Winnipeg, Man./River East Lightning) had a great scoring opportunity in the second but the shot sailed just wide of the net. WSU and NU each had 10 shots in the second.

WSU played even with the Eagles for over 18 minutes. NU scored its third goal on the WSU empty net at the 19:14 mark of the period.

"I don't think the girls could of gave anymore, we just couldn't cash in," said head coach Jim Fetter.

The Warriors end the season with a 13-17-3 record playing the toughest schedule in school history. WSU also made history, as they finished third in the CHA regular season with a 6-6 mark.

WSU set school marks for goals in a season (71), power-play goals in a season (17), assists in a season (104) and points in a season (175).

"The program is taking steps forward, it's not where we want it to be but I think we've come a long way in two years."

Seniors Cheryl Anderson (N.St.Pual, Minn./Minnesota Thoroughbreds), Heidi Burns (Uniontown, Ohio/Ohio Flames), Krissy Langley (Minnetonka,Minn./Shattuck-St.Mary's), Tina Thibideau (Barrie, Ont./Brampton Junior Thunder), and Kelly Zamora (Oshawa, Ont./Toronto Aeros) played their final game for the Warriors.