The locker room was electric with the kind of energy that only comes from achieving something truly special. Players hugged teammates, coaches wiped away tears of joy, and the sound of celebration echoed through the halls of Appleton Arena. For the Cornell women’s hockey team, this wasn’t just another victory – it was the moment they had worked toward all season long.
Grace Dwyer’s breakaway goal in overtime didn’t just win a hockey game. It secured Cornell’s third consecutive Ivy League championship, cementing a dynasty that has redefined what success looks like for the Big Red program. The 4-3 victory over St. Lawrence represents more than just another trophy – it’s proof that excellence can become a tradition.
When you think about what makes a championship team, it’s rarely about one perfect moment. Instead, it’s about how a group responds when everything seems lost, when the pressure mounts, and when the stakes couldn’t be higher. Cornell womens hockey showed exactly that kind of character on Friday night.
A Championship Performance Under Pressure
The Big Red entered this crucial matchup knowing what was at stake. With a record of 17-10-2 and ranked No. 11 in the nation, Cornell womens hockey had built momentum throughout the season. But championships aren’t won on paper – they’re earned on the ice, one shift at a time.
The game started perfectly for the visitors. Riley Scorgie opened her collegiate scoring account with the first goal, a moment that will forever be linked to championship history. Within minutes, Alyssa Regalado found the net from in front, and Mckenna Van Gelder followed less than a minute later to give Cornell a commanding 3-0 lead in the first period.
“When you get that kind of start in a championship-deciding game, it feels like everything is falling into place,” said longtime college hockey analyst Sarah Mitchell. “But the real test comes when the other team pushes back, and St. Lawrence certainly did that.”
The Saints proved they wouldn’t go quietly. After cutting into the deficit late in the first period, they carried that momentum into a scoreless second frame where both teams battled for every inch of ice. The tension was palpable as players and fans alike knew the game’s momentum could shift with a single play.
Drama, Heartbreak, and Ultimate Triumph
What happened in the third period will be remembered as one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Ivy League history. With their season on the line, St. Lawrence pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker and mounted a furious comeback attempt.
The Saints found the net twice in the final three minutes of regulation, each goal sending shockwaves through the Cornell bench. A 3-0 lead had evaporated into a 3-3 tie, forcing overtime and setting up a winner-take-all scenario that every hockey player dreams of experiencing.
Here’s how the championship-clinching game unfolded:
| Period | Cornell Goals | St. Lawrence Goals | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 3 (Scorgie, Regalado, Van Gelder) | 1 | Big Red takes commanding lead |
| Second | 0 | 0 | Defensive battle, momentum shifts |
| Third | 0 | 2 | Saints force overtime with late goals |
| Overtime | 1 (Dwyer) | 0 | Championship-winning breakaway |
Annelies Bergmann stood tall in the Cornell net throughout the drama, making 32 saves to record her 17th victory of the season. Her performance under pressure exemplified the team-first mentality that has defined this championship run.
“Goalies often don’t get the credit they deserve in these big games,” noted former professional player and current ESPN analyst Jennifer Rodriguez. “Bergmann kept her team in it when things got tight, and that’s championship-level goaltending.”
What This Championship Means for Cornell Women’s Hockey
This Ivy League title represents more than just another banner hanging in the rafters. It’s Cornell’s 18th overall championship and third consecutive crown, establishing a modern dynasty that sets the program apart from its competitors.
The impact extends far beyond the current roster. Prospective recruits take notice when a program consistently competes at the highest level. Alumni feel renewed pride in their alma mater. Current students see what’s possible when talent meets dedication and coaching excellence.
Key accomplishments from this championship season include:
- Third consecutive Ivy League title for Cornell womens hockey
- 18th overall championship in program history
- No. 11 national ranking entering postseason play
- Annelies Bergmann’s stellar 17-victory season
- Riley Scorgie’s memorable first collegiate goal in championship-clinching game
- Grace Dwyer’s clutch overtime heroics
The supporting cast deserves recognition too. Beatrice Perron-Roy, Nora Curtis, Georgia Schiff, and Delaney Fleming all contributed assists in the championship game, with Fleming recording two helpers. Championships are won by complete teams, not individual stars.
“What strikes me about this Cornell team is their depth,” observed college hockey scout Michael Thompson. “They get contributions from everyone, and that’s exactly what you need in March when the stakes are highest.”
The timing couldn’t be better for Cornell womens hockey as they head into postseason play. This championship victory provides momentum, confidence, and the kind of championship experience that proves invaluable when facing elimination games ahead.
For Grace Dwyer, whose overtime breakaway goal will be replayed for years to come, the moment represents the culmination of countless hours of practice, dedication, and belief in the team’s championship potential. These are the moments young athletes dream about – the chance to be the hero when everything is on the line.
As the celebration continues in Ithaca, the Cornell womens hockey program can take pride in what they’ve accomplished while keeping their eyes on bigger prizes ahead. Championship teams understand that success breeds expectation, and this group has shown they’re ready for whatever challenges await in the postseason.
FAQs
How many Ivy League championships has Cornell women’s hockey won?
Cornell has now won 18 Ivy League championships overall, with this being their third consecutive title.
Who scored the game-winning goal for Cornell?
Grace Dwyer scored the overtime winner on a breakaway to clinch the championship for the Big Red.
What is Cornell women’s hockey record this season?
The Big Red improved to 17-10-2 with the victory over St. Lawrence and currently holds the No. 11 national ranking.
Who is Cornell’s goaltender and how did she perform?
Annelies Bergmann made 32 saves to record her 17th victory of the season and played a crucial role in the championship win.
Was this Riley Scorgie’s first collegiate goal?
Yes, Scorgie opened the scoring with the first goal of her collegiate career in the championship-clinching victory.
How did St. Lawrence force overtime?
The Saints scored twice with an extra attacker in the final three minutes of regulation to tie the game 3-3 and force overtime.
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