SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Union College Dutchwomen split their ECAC Hockey openers following a 3-0 loss to #7 Harvard on Saturday afternoon at Messa Rink. With the loss the Dutchwomen drop to 4-6-0 on the season and 1-1-0 in ECAC play while the Crimson improve to 3-1-0 on the season and in ECAC play.
Junior goaltender
Shenae Lundberg had another impressive day, racking up 22 saves including multiple saves on the penalty kill against a Crimson squad that leads the nation on the power play. Lundberg made 10 stops in the final period alone despite being pulled for 2:51 in favor of an extra attacker.
The first few minutes of the period plagued the Dutchwomen as all three Crimson goals were scored within the first 3:30 of the first and second period. Harvard opened up the game when Marissa Gedman scooped up a loose puck and bounced a shot off a defender's shin pad and through the five-hole of Lundberg.
Lundberg stood strong through the rest of the period, racking up five saves, to keep the game close at 1-0.
The Dutchwomen had a slow start to the second period as Miye D'Oench tallied two goals just 2:07 apart to give the Crimson their 3-0 lead.
The Dutchwomen increased their offensive output form the first period as they tallied six shots in the second stanza. Despite the added pressure, the Union couldn't find the back of the net as Crimson netminder Emerance Maschmeyer stopped all six shots. Lundberg didn't allow another goal through the end of the period as she racked up seven saves.
Neither team could break through in the third period. The Dutchwomen made a last ditch effort to get on the scoreboard when
Ashley Johnston drew a hooking penalty with 3:10 left in the game. The Dutchwomen decided to pull Lundberg in favor of a 6-4 advantage but failed to capitalize in the final moments of the game.
Maschmeyer racked up seven saves in the third period to earn an 18-save shutout. She has started every game for the Crimson this year as she improved her record to 3-1-1.
The Dutchwomen shut down the nation's top power play on both of their attempts. Lundberg shined as she made multiple post-to-post stops to keep the Crimson off the board. Union was also held off the scoreboard by the Crimson as they remain perfect on the penalty kill through four games.
Union is back in action next weekend when they hit the road for their first ECAC road trip. The Dutchwomen take on Colgate on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Cornell on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
