Former Anaheim Lady Ducks defenseman Megan Crandell accomplished two difficult tasks in one fell swoop this season.

The longtime LD played a key role in helping Division III powerhouse Plattsburgh win its fourth consecutive NCAA championship this spring. And she meshed into an established team seamlessly in her first season playing for the Cardinals.

“It was incredible,” Crandell said. “Being new, this team was extremely welcoming. Our seniors have won four national championships. To come right in and be welcomed in and fit in on their power play and penalty kill, it felt really good to step in and make a difference.

“It took some time to adjust, but after winter break I figured out who my D partner was going to be and everything settled down.”

Crandell, who is from Fullerton, played two seasons for St. Norbert College, but she decided it wasn’t the best fit for her so she transferred to Plattsburgh in the spring of 2016.

Plattsburgh teammate Jordan Lipson, who is from Northern California, competed against Crandell at times growing up, and the duo attended many of the same district camps.

“We’ve known each other for a while,” said Lipson, who like Crandell is a two-time member of California Rubber Magazine’s All-NCAA women’s team. “We didn’t look at her any differently than how we would a freshman.”

Crandell led the team with 26 assists and her 29 points in 30 games were fourth on the team and the most by a defenseman. She was at her best in the NCAA Tournament, when she had six assists in three games – including three in a 4-3 overtime victory over Adrian in the championship game.

“She added a lot to the team defensively and offensively,” Lipson said. “She is so consistent, and she had a huge reach with stick because she’s so tall (5-foot-8).

“It was a huge help having her.”

As it turns out, Crandell will finish her college career as a champion. Her goal had been to play two seasons for Plattsburgh, but she received a job offer to be an auditor for a Chicago-area CPA firm.

“I wanted to play a full four years, but this is a great opportunity,” she said. “My time with the Lady Ducks prepared me well for college hockey.”

- Chris Bayee