Plattsburgh State claims back-to-back titles

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - Plattsburgh State captured their second-consecutive and fourth national championship on Saturday night defeating the Elmira Soaring Eagles 3-2.

Plattsburgh State would take a penalty 6:32 into the game but it was the Cardinals that struck first on a Giovanna Senese breakaway short-hand goal. 
 

Elmira would respond quickly in the second period as 2015 Laura Hurd winner Ashley Ryan would slip one through the legs of Leonard to tie the game 1-1, 1:51 into the middle frame.

Bridget Balisy would put the Cardinals back on the top 2-1 when she collected a loose puck off an Elmira defenseman in front of the net before making a move beating Nelson five-hole.

The Cardinals would add to their lead making it a 3-1 game when Kayla Meneghin received a cross ice pass right at the bottom of the right circle putting it short side against Elmira goaltender Kyle Nelson.
 
Elmira wouldn't go down quietly and would take back some of the momentum when Olivia Nystrom beat Leonard just 29 seconds after Plattsburgh State score its third goal.
 
Elmira would pull their goalie to try to gain the equalizer but the Cardinals defense wouldn't break steering away every Elmira opportunity.
 
Leonard would make 22 saves on 24 shots while Nelson would make 27 on 30 shots.
 
Plattsburgh State finished 26-2-2 and hoisted its second National Championship in the Stafford Ice Arena in as many seasons.
 
Elmira ended the season 26-3-1 and in second place.
 
It was the fifth time Plattsburgh State and Elmira with the Cardinals claiming a slight edge 3-2 on the season.
 
With the win Plattsburgh State becomes the all-time leader in national championships claiming its fourth title.