Taylor Bell’s Key Goal Secures Midland’s Initial ACHA National Championship

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. — If there is a clutch gene, Taylor Bell possesses it.

Bell’s goal in the late stages of the third overtime propelled Midland University to a thrilling 4-3 victory over Liberty University in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Women’s Division 1 championship match at the Centene Community Ice Center on Sunday evening.

With 3:43 remaining in the third extra period, Bell seized a rebound amidst traffic in front of the Flames’ goal to net the decisive score. Her teammates quickly surrounded her after the puck crossed the line.

“I was astonished,” Bell remarked. “I had no idea. I was just so surprised, so in shock. It was awesome.”

This marked Midland’s third consecutive overtime victory in the postseason, beginning with their final game in pool play, where Bell also scored the winning goal.

“I’m so happy for ‘T,’” Midland coach Jason White stated. “It’s been four years. She’s been an incredible leader. She’s a remarkable person, and I’m just so glad she’s about to celebrate.”

This victory represents Midland’s first national championship, having previously lost to Liberty in their only other championship game appearance in 2022.

“It’s so awesome,” Bell expressed. “I’m so happy to be a part of it. I’m so proud of everyone.”

Meghan Stewart recorded 78 saves for the Warriors and was awarded postseason MVP honors. She excelled under pressure, making 29 saves throughout the three overtime periods.

“My teammates are working so hard; I have to make the saves to keep them going,” Stewart said. “It was just next save, next save, next save. That was my mindset.”

Victoria Campbell contributed a goal and an assist, while Darbi Poole and Makenna Larson also found the net for Midland.

Haley Battles, Elisabeth Sarauer, and Isobel Pettem-Shand scored for Liberty. In goal, Alexandra Keith made 63 saves.

“The girls fought hard,” Liberty coach Frank Keating commented. “We tip our hats to Midland. They earned it. They played a tough game.”

Battles capitalized on Liberty’s first significant scoring opportunity late in the first period, netting an unassisted goal with 2:10 remaining to make it 1-0.

Poole equalized for Midland with a power play goal at 3:13 of the second period.

Campbell gave Midland a 2-1 advantage with 2:11 left in the second, jamming a loose puck in front of the Flames’ net. Jaicee Huberdeau set up the opportunity by stealing the puck behind the net and getting it in front.

“We’ve got a hard-working, gritty team, with a bit of skill as well, which is nice,” White noted. “It’s been a fun, amazing year, and I couldn’t be prouder of these girls.”

Larson extended Midland’s lead with a slapshot from the right point at the 2:40 mark of the third period.

Sarauer brought Liberty back within one with a goal at 9:34, narrowing the Warriors’ lead to 3-2.

Pettem-Shand leveled the score with a power play goal with 4:30 remaining, scoring a one-timer off a perfect pass from Brielle Fussy.

“We had a good discussion in there between the second and third periods before we came out, and the energy started to return,” Keating said. “Our ladies just put their heads down, grinded it out, got a couple of great goals, and we were able to tie it up.”

Stewart made several crucial saves as Midland had to navigate through a pair of minor penalties in the first overtime period, and she got her blocker on a partial breakaway by Battles in the second overtime.

“Meghan brought her ‘A’ game,” White stated. “I just knew it was a matter of time. I spoke to her before the game and said, ‘This is yours. Go take it.’ And she played fantastically. She absolutely deserves this MVP award.”

Also on Sunday, Air Force defeated Oakland University 5-3 in the men’s Division 3 championship match. Joseph Cesario scored two goals and provided an assist, Samuel Jacobs netted two goals, and Cooper Boulanger recorded a goal and three assists for Air Force.

On Thursday, Payton Stos’ goal just 59 seconds into the first period served as the game-winner as Sault College narrowly defeated Assiniboine College 1-0 in the Women’s Division 2 championship match. Farrah Farstad stopped all 29 shots she faced for Sault College, while Rachel Halldorson made 37 saves for Assiniboine College.

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.