A one-goal, two-assist effort by freshman Brittany Styner (Calgary, ALB) highlighted a strong outing by the Clarkson University Women’s Hockey team as they opened the 2011 ECAC Hockey playoffs with a dominating 4-1 victory over Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH on Friday afternoon.

The seventh-seeded Golden Knights, who improved their record to 14-15-6, will face off against the third-seeded Big Green (19-10) in the second game of their quarterfinal series on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. from Thompson Arena. If Clarkson wins they will advance to semifinal round to be play on Thursday at a site to be determined. If Dartmouth wins Saturday's game, the Knights and Big Green will play on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. with the winner advancing.??Saturday's game will be broadcast live over the radio and internet by WQTK 92.7 FM.??Clarkson was on top of its game right from the start in the playoff opener, jumping out to a 3-0 lead. Styner started the scoring with a power-play marker at 8:22, finishing off an assist from junior Juana Baribeau (Amos, QUE). Sophomore Danielle Skirrow (Trenton, ONT) came through with the eventual game-winner, an unassisted tally at 16:01. Junior Gabrielle Kosziwka (Limehouse, ONT) closed out the period with her fourth goal of the year with 53 seconds remaining in the stanza. Styner and junior Kali Gillanders (Kyle, SASK) assisted.

The Knights, who only had three man-advantage opportunities in the game, struck for their second power-play tally midway through the middle frame to build a 4-0 lead. Gillanders netted her third goal of the season at 9:30 with Styner and junior Danielle Boudreau (Whitby, ONT) assisting.

Dartmouth spoiled Clarkson’s shutout bid with a goal by Jenna Hobeika at 17:43 of the second.

Freshman Erica Howe (Ottawa, ONT) made 24 saves for her 10th career win in the Knights’ goal. Clarkson held a slight 26-25 edge in shots, but was strong in specialty teams play with a 2-of-3 outing on the power play, while killing off all five of the Big Green’s chances.