PLATTSBURGH, NY- The nationally ranked No. 1 Plattsburgh State Cardinals scored four goals in the first period to down the Utica College women's hockey team 6-2 in ECAC West Conference action Saturday afternoon. 
 
This marks the first time the Pioneers have allowed more than two goals in a game since Nov. 27, when UC fell to nationally ranked No. 4 Adrian College, 4-3. 
 
The Cardinals jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first 8:42 of action, and added another tally with 3:12 remaining in the first period before Utica was finally able to get on the board. Senior Emily Coope (Phoenix, AZ/Colorado Tigers) netted her team-best sixth goal of the year at 17:33 of the first period as she skated in on a 1-on-3.  Coope fired a shot that fooled Cardinal goalie Camille Leonard and gave Utica new life.
 
After a scoreless second period, senior Jane Pagano (Erie, PA/Tabor Academy) made it a two-goal game as she netted her sixth of the season.  Sophomore Danielle Haasbeek (Grand Forks, ND/Balmoral Hall) assisted on the power play tally.
 
The Cardinals added two goals in 1:49 with less than ten minutes left in the third period to pull away.  Six different players scored on the day for Plattsburgh, led by defenseman Megan Crandell, who had a goal and three assists.
 
Junior Amanda Lupo (Auburn, NY/Skaneateles) stopped a career-high 37 shots, while Leonard had 17 saves in net for Plattsburgh.  Utica was 1-for-6 on the power play, while the Cardinals were 2-for-8 with the man advantage. 
 
The teams wrap up the season series Sunday at 3 p.m.