PLATTSBURGH -- Fourth-ranked Plattsburgh State (1-0, 1-0 ECAC West) scored four third period goals to pull away from the SUNY Potsdam women’s hockey team (0-1, 0-1) and post a season opening 5-0 win.

Bears junior goaltender Jen Conophy (Glenmont, N.Y./Albany Ice Cats) made 44 saves.

There was no scoring in the first period as Conophy and the Potsdam defense slowed down the Cardinal defense.

The Bears killed both of their penalties in the period. Midway through the second 20 minutes, Plattsburgh Alyssa Parke scored a power play goal to give the Cardinals the lead for good.

Teal Grove and Ashton Hogan assisted on the marker. Despite being outshot 21-7 in the second period, Potsdam trailed only 1-0 after 40 minutes.

Plattsburgh doubled its advantage on a goal by Jenny Kistner three minutes into the final stanza. At 6:44 of the third period Emma Rutherford struck on the power play.

Ashton Hogan and Kistner notched the final two tallies at 15:42 and 17:34 and the Cardinals finished the 5-0 win. Plattsburgh outshot Potsdam 49-18. Cardinal goalie Sydney Aveson made 18 saves to earn the shutout victory.

“I was very proud of our effort tonight,” said Bears Head Coach Jay Green.

“Jen Conophy played very well in goal and (senior forward) Annmarie Lewis (Newmarket, Ontario) was strong up front, but just didn’t have any luck). Plattsburgh was very fast, big, and deep, but we played well defensively. It was 1-0 entering the third period and we didn’t give up too many quality chances.”

Potsdam is back in action on Nov. 4-5 when the Bears faceoff against Buffalo St. The puck drops at 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday.