CLINTON, N.Y. – The Continentals of Hamilton College, Abby Weiss ’25 achieved a personal best with three points and Teagan Brown ’27 executed 28 saves in a commanding 5-0 NESCAC triumph over the Wesleyan University Cardinals at Hamilton’s Russell Sage Rink on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 18.
Season Overview
The Continentals (6-8-1, 2-5-1 NESCAC) completed the season dominance over Wesleyan, having also defeated the Cardinals 1-0 on Jan. 17.
Wesleyan (6-10-0, 1-7) experienced its fourth consecutive loss and was held scoreless for the fifth time this season.
Game Synopsis
Following a scoreless opening period, the Cardinals received favorable fortune early in the second when two players from Hamilton found themselves in the penalty box simultaneously, granting Wesleyan a 5-on-3 opportunity for a full two minutes. The Cardinals managed just one shot on goal and squandered their prime chance.
About three minutes later, the Continentals earned a power play and took a 1-0 lead 8:05 into the second period. Katie Allen ’26 deflected a shot from Weiss on net, and although Sami Smith made an excellent save, she couldn’t hold onto it. Grace Puskar ’27 pushed the rebound into the net from right in front of the crease.
Ava Romano ’27 increased the lead to 2-0 with 3:14 remaining in the period. Bri Rockwood ’28 delivered a backhand centering pass from behind the goal line, and Romano struck a one-timer from the high slot into the back of the net.
Jamie Porter ’28 netted a game-breaking goal for Hamilton with just 15.8 seconds left in the period. Positioned in the left faceoff circle with her back to the goal, Porter redirected a shot by Sophie Berghammer ’26 between her legs and into the right post for a 3-0 lead.
Weiss extended the Continentals’ advantage to four goals just 2:32 into the third period. Carly McMahon ’27 passed from the end boards to an unmarked Weiss at the top of the right circle for the one-timer.
Gabby Martiniello ’28 rounded out the score with 8:11 to go. Martiniello seized a loose puck following a misplaced pass from Wesleyan in its defensive zone. Sarah Myziuk ’28 set up a screen directly in front of the goaltender, making it likely that Smith never sighted Martiniello’s high wrist shot from above the left faceoff circle.
Observations
Weiss had her point total this season increase from three to six.
Brown recorded her second shutout in two days and third in 11 starts this season. She has not surrendered a goal in 144 minutes. Brown reduced her goals against average to 1.55 and boasts a .947 save percentage.
Puskar finished the game with both a goal and an assist, indicating her second multi-point performance of the season.
Martiniello scored her first collegiate goal.
Romano marked her first career goal while at Hamilton.
Porter, who netted the game-winner on Friday night, scored again this weekend.
McMahon achieved her first assist of the season and the third of her career.
Rockwood acquired her first collegiate point.
Grace Crowley ’26 captured a dozen faceoff victories.
Smith stopped 20 shots for the Cardinals.
The Continentals were 1-for-4 on power plays, while Wesleyan was 0-for-3. Hamilton’s penalty kill remains perfect at 29-for-29 this season.
The Continentals hold a 10-1-2 record against the Cardinals in their last 13 matchups.
Upcoming Match
Hamilton will host William Smith College (7-8-1) for a non-conference match on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m.