PINE VALLEY, N.Y. (WENY) - The Elmira College women's hockey team is one win away from making it to the NCAA tournament. But first, the Soaring Eagles have their toughest battle yet lying ahead of them. 

EC is gearing up to take on top-seeded Norwich University in the NEHC championship this Saturday in Northfield, Vermont. The two teams met back in early November at the beginning of the regular season; the Eagles and Cadets splitting the series. Elmira's 3-1 victory stands as Norwich's only conference loss this year. The Soaring Eagles went 14-3-1 in conference play this season. 

Winning the NEHC would mean back-to-back championships for EC, with the program also claiming the title back in 2022. In his second year leading the Soaring Eagles, head coach Greg Haney emphasized how much the team has earned this opportunity. "It's exciting to just put ourselves in this opportunity again", said Haney. The girls are really working hard and they do all the little things, so it's nice to stand behind them and just be there to support them through their journey the last two years, so hopefully we can bring that home on Saturday as well."

The team knows the key to success lies in sticking together and executing their game plan. "I think we just need to keep working together as a team", said NEHC Player of the Year, Erika Goleniak. "We had really good preparations that game and just getting ready and like having a good time as a group, and I just think that's gonna be really important going into this weekend."

With a mix of experienced players and newcomers, Elmira has faced its share of challenges this season. But now, the team believes they're peaking at just the right time.

"I think we've gone through some ups and downs this year with a lot of new girls", said senior forward McKenzie Schmidt. "I think we've kind of had to find our groove and find the wave and kind of get everyone on the same page. I think these past few weeks we've been playing really good hockey and I think we're kind of coming together at the right time, which is exciting. But I'm really excited for this opportunity."

Now, the Soaring Eagles look to capitalize on that momentum and bring another conference title back to Pine Valley.

Puck drops at 3:00 P.M. at Norwich University.