Ithaca 14-under girls hockey team qualifies for national championships

A 14-under team from the Tompkins Girls Hockey Association is headed to nationals following a runner-up finish at the New York state championships in Utica. The team also known as the Ithaca Shooting Stars qualified for the Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships, scheduled for March 25-29 in Rochester, Michigan. This is the first time a Tompkins Girls Hockey Association Tier 2 team has made it to nationals.

The Stars lost their opener to the Canton Blades at the state tournament, played March 6-8, before posting a 6-4 win over the NY Islanders and a 2-1 victory over the Saugerties Filles. A 3-2 overtime triumph over the Mamaroneck Stateline secured a spot in the final and a trip to nationals. Canton beat Ithaca for the title.

Ithaca's roster includes Corning's Charlotte Anderson, Emma Anderson, Peyton Babineaux, Mary Madeau, Catherine Brand, Olivia Grzelaczyk, Shea Hall, Cora Hayes, Alexia Marmor, Layla Paul, Horseheads' Macy Phillips, Allison Pierce, Adelle Rickard, Alexis Sheehan, Elmira's Greta Stuart, Seneca Turnbull, Painted Post's Alexis Zimmerman, and Painted Post's Emily Zimmerman. More: OT triumph sends Corning boys to first NYSPHSAA final 4 in basketball Alex Hayes is head coach. Assistants include Corning's Sean Anderson, Painted Post's Andrew Zimmerman, Alex Chang, Stephen Vergamini, and Jillian Woods.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the team with expenses. Donations are also being accepted at ithacagirlshockey. org/donate .