Hockey runs in the family for the Barcless sisters
Growing up in a hockey family, the Barcless girls, Trinity and Abby, might’ve learned how to skate before they learned how to walk.
Obviously, they learned well as Trinity is the two-time Middle Atlantic Conference Player of the Year and Abby was a second team All-MAC selection.
Trinity plays at Stevenson and notched nine goals and added 10 assists, leading the Mustangs to a 9-4 record and the No. 2 seed in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference Tournament.
“Getting the honor was definitely special this year and really was a team effort,” said Trinity of her second straight Player of the Year award. “I really had a good time this season considering it was a very short season. We had a lot of issues facing COVID and being not sure if we were playing or not. It was difficult moving forward but when we got on the ice we put it all together, so this was definitely special.”
Trinity has been a special player and announced that she’ll be pursuing a master’s and taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility the NCAA has granted
Abby, who is a defenseman, accounted for three assists for Wilkes this season earning the all-league spot.
“I’m ecstatic about being All-Conference,” said Abby. “It felt nice to be able to play this season and then to get a post season reward that is something everyone including me works hard for. Very happy and proud for Trinity and myself.”
When Abby, who is a sophomore, was asked if she considered following Trinity to Stevenson she jokingly replied.
“I never thought about it, 18 years in the same house is enough,” said Abby with a chuckle. “I’m glad just to be at a school that gets to play her team. This way we can still be on the same ice together and compete.”
On and off the ice, the Barcless sisters credit their dad Chris with being both a mentor on the ice and along with their mom great providers of support off the ice.
“It was awesome and it has been great to see her progressing,” said Trinity, of Abby’s play. “Next year I know she’ll be on first team.”
Both girls attended Notre Dame and with Trinity being a forward and Abby on defense. They cherish those battles on the ice and most of all have great mutual respect for each other.
“We are really happy with the way things are going and we owe a lot of it to my dad,” said Abby. “I’m so happy for her (Trinity) and it’s nice to know we’ve both worked hard enough to get some recognition.”
Bridgman Gets MAAC Honor
Allie Bridgman (Hightstown) was the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week after earning a pair of wins for Fairfield.
Bridgman got wins over Siena and Rider and finished the week with an impressive 0.58 ERA.
She is 3-0 on the season and has 19 strikeouts in 26 innings of work.
Mostrangeli’s Blast Sends Rowan to Win
Ryan Mostrangeli (Steinert) slammed his first home run of the season to lead Rowan to a win over William Paterson, 8-3.
Mostrangeli was 3-for-4 in the game with a pair of RBI. He is hitting .270 on the season and this week on Friday Mostrangeli will be heading home as Rowan has a home and home series Thursday and Friday with The College of New Jersey.
Backland, Whittaker Lead CCSU
Carli Backlund (Steinert) and Kaylee Whittaker (Steinert) paced the way as 18-5 Central Connecticut State swept a doubleheader from Sacred Heart.
Backlund was 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs in the second game. The homer was Backlund’s ninth of the season.
Whittaker pitched the five-inning game and improved to 5-1 as the former. Spartan allowed just three hits. Whittaker has 33 strikeouts in 37 innings for CCSU.
Anaya Hunte (Burlington Twp.) got CCSU out of trouble and earned her third save in the first game a 1-0 win.