PROVIDENCE COLLEGE PICKS UP 3-1 EXHIBITION WIN OVER McGILL
Junior forward Ashley Cottrell scores twice for Friars

Junior forward Ashley Cottrell scored two goals for the Friars

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Providence College women's ice hockey team defeated McGill University, 3-1, in exhibition action at Schneider Arena. Junior Ashley Cottrell (Sterling Heights, Mich.) scored two goals and junior Kate Bacon (Chanhassen, Minn.) added two assists in the Friars first action of the new 2010-2011 season.

After a scoreless first period, the Friars struck twice in just over two minutes. Junior Laura Veharanta (La Verne, Calif.) converted from the slot at the 13:11 mark of the second period, assisted by Bacon. The Friars made it 2-0 with another even strength tally at 15:29 of the second, as Cottrell scored her first of the evening. Again, Bacon was credited with the helper.

Less than a minute into the third period, Cottrell extended the Friars lead to 3-0 at :54, with senior Alyse Ruff (Tualatin, Ore.) assisting.

McGill scored its lone goal at the 5:48 mark of the third to cut the deficit to 3-1 when first-year Martlet forward Logan Murray buried a rebound.

The Friars were backboned by senior goaltender Christina England (Wareham, Mass.), who turned aside 16 shots for the decision.

This is the second consecutive year the Friars have welcomed the Canadian Interuniveristy Sport power for exhibition play, and fifth meeting overall. Providence now holds a 4-1 series lead. The teams will meet again at Schneider Arena on Saturday (9/25). Face-off is set for 4 p.m.

Providence begins its regular season on the road next weekend, visiting Robert Morris on October 2 and 3. The first regular season home game is October 9, when St. Lawrence comes to town for a 2 p.m. face-off. Tickets are available by calling the Providence College ticket office at 401-865-GOPC.