DII Lady Flames build chemistry, carry momentum into ACHA-opening series with Delaware

The Lady Flames return a solid corps of players from last season and have added several talented newcomers as well as assistant coaches. (Photo by Ryan Anderson)

DII Lady Flames build chemistry, carry momentum into ACHA-opening series with Delaware

10/4/2024 12:42:00 PM | Women's D2 Hockey

Liberty has a talented class of six freshmen recruits added to a strong foundation that has its sights set on the DVCHC title and another national tournament berth.

Coming off its first two national tournament triumphs in program history, last March near St. Louis, spirits are high among Liberty University's ACHA Division II women's hockey team as it hosts DVCHC rival Delaware tonight at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. in the LaHaye Ice Center.

In the second round of pool play at nationals, the Lady Flames erased a 3-1 third-period deficit against the Blue Hens to stage a 4-3 victory in sudden-death overtime. With a strong returning nucleus from last season and influx of talented freshmen, they have aspirations of advancing out of their pool to the Final Four for the first time next spring.

"Our rookies are bringing a lot of energy, we're bringing a lot of chemistry in, and I'm excited to play with the veterans and fuse that chemistry together," freshman forward Abigail Rogers said. "I know that chemistry is such an essential part to success and winning games, and I think we're looking at really good chemistry coming up."

Liberty started the preseason with four exhibition wins over the Queen City Royals and Armstrong Arrows, U19 travel teams from North Carolina and Pennsylvania, respectively, on Sept. 7-8 at the LIC. They outscored the Royals 14-3 in two games and Arrows 10-1 in two games.

The Lady Flames return nine of their top 11 scorers from last season, including senior forward Isabel Gracia (7 goals, 10 assists), junior forward Izzy Crossman (7G, 10A), and sophomore forward Cora Williams (13G, 4A), who finished tied for the team scoring lead with 17 points apiece, followed closely by senior defenseman Katrina Walhof (12G, 3A), who ranked fifth.

They also have junior goalie Abigail Hodsden back between the pipes after she finished 6-4-1 with a 1.48 goals-against average and 94.0 save percentage and three shutouts last season. Sophomore goalie Abigail Manzewitsch, who posted a shutout in her only regular-season start last year before earning the overtime win against Delaware, will likely see more action in net after graduate Kylie Mebs was promoted back up to Liberty's Division I ranks.

The Lady Flames feature six freshmen on their 21-player roster, adding depth and versatility and allowing the team to maintain its energy level in game situations.

"With a bigger roster, we will have more fresh legs going on and off the ice to make sure we're not just going on for minutes but we're able to take quick shifts, to really put good work out there on the ice without getting tired," junior forward Guinivere Donovan said.

The extra skaters will also help the Lady Flames endure adversity in the event of injury with a 26-game schedule on tap.

Head Coach Rena Leone said the team's spiritual culture has translated to success in the arena. Last spring, the Lady Flames had five players baptized at the Liberty Natatorium less than a month after their return from nationals.

"Last year, besides the on-ice success we had, the off-ice chemistry (was even better)," Leone said. "It was a great year overall, and it's exciting to be back."

Video edited by Andrew Musser/Club Sports Video & Media Assistant