ASU Women’s Hockey: Dynamic defense key for Devils

(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)

While defending the goal is of the utmost importance for the Arizona State’s blue line, jumping into the rush is elevating the scoring chances for the Sun Devils this season. And when odd-man attacks break out, the ASU defense strives to always communicate with their partners. 

In their first series of the season against Grand Canyon University, the defensemen notably pinched in on opportunities to give the Sun Devils breakout situations. Senior KC McGinley, the captain of ASU’s defense, helped start the offensive charges that led to early goals against the GCU.

“My big goal for the season is making great breakout passes and being very consistent in my breakouts because I have full confidence in the offensive zone and I can trust my defensive partner to back me up,” explained McGinley. “I’m a stay-at-home defenseman, but there are times where I have to pinch in and we just feed off of each other knowing we have each others’ backs.”

While McGinley jumps in on scoring chances, she knows she can trust her defensive partner, Brooke Kelsall, to watch her back.

“With KC, we make a great pair. We work together well and she’s always in the back of my head,” said Kelsall.“The great thing about our defense is that we can rely on each other to clearly communicate on the ice.”

Despite only having 3 Sun Devils on the blue line, the forwards step up and help take a defensive position, including Taylor England, Dannika Borges, and Amber Galles. Sophomore defenseman Molly Potter admitted the scenario of having an odd number of defenders on the team is strange.

“I have a unique situation where I am with someone from the forward line, usually Taylor. Taylor is doing really great and I think we have really good chemistry,” admitted Potter.

With a dynamic defense on the rise for the Sun Devils, Arizona State takes on Colorado-Boulder this weekend of search to maintaining consistent communication and coordination from the blue line.

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