Cardarelli previews SUNYAC semifinaLs
Cortland gears up for a high-stakes game.
PUCK DROP: 7 PM, Sat. 3/1, Cortland
Cortland coach expects team to be ready
PICTURED: Cortland Head Coach Joe Cardarelli sits in his office
CORTLAND, NY – On the first night of March, expect madness on the ice.
The Red Dragons and Cardinals will meet in a rematch of last season’s stunning conference final. That game ended with Cortland players screaming and smiling, as the road team won in overtime.
A year later, the setting has shifted: Cortland will play host with a trip to the SUNYAC final on the line.
“I don’t know if it’s an advantage,” Cortland Head Coach Joe Cardarelli said of having the game on home ice. “Plattsburgh comes here every year.”
Cardarelli also pointed to Cortland’s perfect 12-0 record on the road this season. At home, it's 6-5.
But those games had lower stakes. For the first time all season, the Dragons must win tonight to stay alive.
“Everyone’s going to grip the stick a little tighter and be more anxious than a regular-season game,” Cardarelli said.
Despite the likely nerves, the longtime Cortland coach anticipates having a prepared roster come puck drop.
“My expectation is we’ll be ready for the game.”
Dragons toy with Mustangs
The Red Dragons never trailed in the triumph.
FINAL: Morrisville 2, Cortland 6
Dragons never trail in triumph
PICTURED: Cortland freshman Conor Humphrey separates from a trio of Mustangs
CORTLAND, NY — The Red Dragons brought a balanced attack to home ice, tallying two goals in each period. The most significant score came with 13 seconds remaining in the middle frame: Cortland freshman Conor Humphrey deflected the puck past Morrisville goalie Grant Linville, dismantling any momentum the Mustangs had built. The only sneer the visiting team was able to sneak in was a vicious hit on Cortland junior Stephen Kyrkostas, which made the Morrisville fans ooh and aah.
Hot start propels Cortland over Morrisville
The Red Dragons prevailed after a quick score.
FINAL: Morrisville 0, Cortland 2
Dragons prevail after quick score
PICTURED: Cortland junior Ella Iwinski slaps the puck to center ice
CORTLAND, NY — Cortland came out firing in the first period. The Red Dragons dotted 17 shots on goal in the opening frame, including one that whizzed past Morrisville goalie Elizabeth Timby. A good ol’ fashion drubbing was on the way.
However, the Mustangs would not go down without a fight. Morrisville opened the middle frame with multiple shot attempts and more physicality. The pushing and shoving spilled into the third period, when Morrisville freshman Madison Lawrence and Cortland senior Natalie O’Brien picked up penalties for roughing.
In the end, the Dragons were too much to handle. An empty-net goal extended Cortland’s lead and the Morrisville bus began warming up. A visiting team would again leave Cortland without the crown.
Filighera ‘proud’ after Dragons tie Nazareth
The Red Dragons had a gritty performance.
FINAL (OT): Nazareth 1, Cortland 1
Gritty performance impresses coach
PICTURED: Cortland Head Coach Rick Filighera prepares in his office
CORTLAND, NY — In the week leading up to the clash against Nazareth, the Red Dragons played three games — one of which extended into overtime. Fatigue was a factor early on.
“We weren’t ourselves in the first period,” Cortland Head Coach Rick Filighera said. “[Nazareth] got on us early.”
The Golden Flyers were indeed quick on the draw; they were first to shoot and score. It wasn’t until the final frame when Cortland’s offense came alive.
“We didn’t hesitate in the third period,” Filighera said.
Sophomore Katie Mahoney tied the score for Cortland, and the game headed to overtime. Ultimately, neither team found the net after regulation.
Though the tie ended Cortland’s six-game win streak, Filighera was far from deflated.
“I’m extremely proud,” he said. “[Our players] showed some grit.”
Still, he found room for improvement.
“We need to score more on the power play,” he said.
The Dragons have about one month to sharpen their skills before playoffs start.
Dragons send Roos home unhappy
Cortland overwhelmed the visiting team.
FINAL: Canton 1, Cortland 5
Dragons overwhelm visiting team
PICTURED: Cortland grad student Taryn Raisanen controls the puck from Canton sophomore Kylah Small
CORTLAND, NY — One day removed from a thrilling overtime showdown, the Red Dragons and Roos met again in Cortland. The sequel was one-sided and rather boring, as the home team ultimately held a four-goal cushion. An interesting moment came in the second period, when Cortland scored two shorthanded goals on the same penalty kill.