Box Score
CANTON, NY- The Union women's hockey team played a hard fought game but came up empty in the end as they fell to host St. Lawrence 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Appleton Arena.
St. Lawrence (2-5-1, 1-1-0) controlled the majority of scoring chances, but the Dutchwomen were anchored by netminder Kate Gallagher, who turned in a spectacular 46-save performance. The loss drops Union to 1-7-0 (0-2-0) this season, while the win snaps the Saints' four-game losing skid.
The home team put on the early pressure throughout the first period, as St. Lawrence held a 21-5 advantage in shots on goal through 20 minutes. Gallagher was the difference-maker, stopping all 21 bids including two point-blank tries by Karell Emard and Rylee Smith to keep the game scoreless after the first period.
Gallagher again was impressive in the second period, though Lahonen also made a few brilliant stops including two on a breakaway try by Rhianna Kurio. With the period winding down, the Saints were finally able to cash in and take a 1-0 lead with a mere 11 seconds left in the stanza. Sophomore Brooke Fernandez ripped a shot off Gallagher's pads, but the rebound found Sabatine in the crease and she pushed the puck across the line for her fourth goal of the season.
Union turned in its best period of hockey in the third, as they managed to outshoot the Scarlet and Brown 12-11, though the Saints had two shots hit the post and others sail just wide of the net. With Gallagher pulled in the final minute for an extra attacker, the Dutchwomen nearly evened the scoring, but Lahonen was positioned perfectly to make a pad save while moving across the crease. The stop was her last of the game and helped propel St. Lawrence to the victory.
Lahonen's 27 saves moved the rookie to 2-1-1 on the year, while Gallagher suffered the loss despite making 46 saves. The Saints, who finished with a 47-27 advantage in shots on goal, killed off all three Union power plays but finished 0-for-1 with the extra skater.
The Dutchwomen return to home ice next Friday against Quinnipiac. Game time is set for 7:00pm.
