POTSDAM, N.Y.—The SUNY Potsdam women's hockey team (3-4) did everything but score in a 1-0 loss to Trine University (1-9) on Wednesday afternoon.
 
The teams battled through a very competitive first period. Potsdam outshot the Thunder 10-5 thanks in part to an unsuccessful power play. However, it was Trine striking first late in the period. With 48 seconds left, junior forward Payton Hans (Johnson Creek, Wis./Lake Mills) picked up the loose puck at the right point off a failed clear attempt. She made a move around a Bears defender in the slot and ripped a wrister over the left shoulder of partially screened senior goalie Ellie Zurfluh (Arvada, Colo./Team Colorado). The Thunder led 1-0 after one.
 
Potsdam generated good pressure in the second period. However, solid defense and stellar play from Trine freshman goalie Claire Schmaltz (Maple Grove, Minn./Totino-Grace) kept them from getting even. Schmaltz made 11 stops. The Thunder also killed a second penalty. Zurfluh stopped all six shots she faced in the period as well. The score remained 1-0.
 
The Bears went on the power play less than a minute into the third period, but Trine was again able to survive. With about 14 minutes remaining, graduate student captain Kaylee Merrill (Wasilla, Alaska/Anchorage North Stars) broke free and cut to the net. Her shot clanged off the pipe where the crossbar met the post and Potsdam still trailed. An interference call earned the Bears another power play with 7:48 left, but again the Thunder managed to defuse the threat. Zurfluh was pulled for an extra attacker with 1:02 remaining. Potsdam continued to swarm the net, but couldn't break through.
 
Zurfluh finished with 14 saves. Schmaltz was perfect in her 33-save shutout. The Bears finished 0-for-4 on the power play and Trine didn't have an opportunity.
 
Potsdam is back in action on Friday, December1, at 3 p.m. when the Bears host SUNYAC foe Oswego State.