POTSDAM, N.Y.—The SUNY Potsdam women's ice hockey team (3-8-1) rallied from an early deficit to defeat Saint Michael's College (1-8-1) 3-1 on Saturday afternoon. The Bears got goals from sophomore forwards Alexandra Holowka and Izzy Fayerman and junior forward Jenn Crawford.

The Purple Knights jumped out in front just 45 seconds into the game. Sophomore defenseman Maire Bartkus fired a shot from the left point that hit Bears junior goalie Dawna Salvarinas in the blocker and flutter up into the net. Potsdam responded with their own pressure, but Saint Mike's senior goalie Erin Stevens continued her strong play. Potsdam finally broke through at 15:34 as Crawford found herself all alone with the puck on the right side of the net and stuck it just under the crossbar to tie the score. Holowka recorded the assist on the play. The Bears outshot the Purple Knights 19-6 in the opening period.

Potsdam continued to dominate the play in the second period, but Stevens kept the Bears' offense at bay until midway through. At the 10:32 mark, Fayerman beat Stevens with a high shot from the left side of the net for the eventual game-winner. Junior forward Amanda Lucky and freshman forward Sally Mooney each assisted on the goal. The Bears didn't let up, posting 17-6 advantage in shots, but led by just one after 40 minutes.

Holowka sealed the win just 2:56 into the period, scoring on a shot from the top of the right face-off circle that slipped under Stevens' right pad. Saint Mike's pulled Stevens with 1:15 left, but couldn't draw any closer.

Salvarinas, the reigning ECAC West Goalie of the Week, made 16 saves to earn her third victory of the season. Stevens finished with 42 saves, giving her 82 on the weekend. Potsdam was 0-3 on the man advantage and Saint Mike's was 0-4.

The Bears are off until Jan. 4-5, when they travel to South Burlington, Vt. for the Double Tree Ice Hockey Classic hosted by Saint Michael's. Potsdam faces Nichols College on Friday at 4 p.m. and the host Purple Knights at the same time on Saturday.