Masuk Free Press

The South West United (SWU) girls hockey team, Masuk’s co-op, beat the Daniel Hand Co-op 4 – 1 on Friday, Jan. 19.

SWU started on the defense with saves from goaltender number 1 Jenny Velky.

3:18 into the game, SWU number 16 Maja Weilgos scored with assists from number 11 Hannah Newman and number 3 Amelia Manicke. This gave them a 1 – 0 lead. 

SWU had strong defensive efforts stopping two of Hands’ breakaways. Velky also denied multiple goal attempts.

With 3:35 left in the period, SWU number 13 Jules Damon received a two minute penalty. The first period ended 1 – 0, SWU lead.

The second period started with an elevated intensity from the girls.  Just one minute into play, SWU number 9 Morgan Gallagher received a two minute penalty for interference. Hand tried to utilize the power play, but all shots were stopped by Velky. 

At 13:17 SWU number 18 Grace Douglas received a two minute penalty for hooking and at 11:40 SWU number 4 Katelyn Gelfand got a two minute penalty for roughing.

SWU held a consistent defense throughout the period with strong efforts from Gallagher and number 10. 

At 9:05 SWU number 21 Francesca Buccieri scored with an assist from Damon, upping the score 2 – 0. 

SWU’s defense held strong, with an aggressive play style and good stick skills from Gelfand and more blocked shots from Velky.

Just over halfway into the period, SWU’s Douglas got a two minute penalty for hooking. With 4:57 left in the period, Hand scored on the power play, bringing the score to 2 – 1. 

Less than two minutes later, SWU’s Buccieri scored again, with assists from Damon and number 23 Caroline Saussy, the score now 3 – 1. 

At 12:24, Hand faced a two minute penalty. SWU tried to monopolize on the power play, but could not find the back of the net. The second period ended 3 – 1 SWU.

The third period started with numerous attempts from both teams, none of them successful. With 4:51 left, Hand received a two minute penalty for roughing.

Less than a minute later, SWU’s Weilgos scored with a snipe, assists from Manicke and number 10, bringing the score to 4 – 1. 

SWU made a couple more attempts, all falling short. The game ended with a SWU win, 4 – 1.

“I’d  honestly never want to play on a different team. The girls are amazing and everything you could ask for in a team, but more importantly, in a family,” said Velky. 

The girls play at home next on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at four p.m.