SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — After both defenses proved to be at the top of their games through the first two periods, the final frame proved to be the difference-maker in the close ECAC matchup, as the St. Lawrence Saints scored two unanswered goals in the third to defeat the Union Dutchwomen, 2-0, on Tuesday night.
While the Saints outshot the Dutchwomen in the first two periods by a 30-13 margin, first-year goaltender Bella McKee made 30 saves to keep the game close for Union. It was the battle of first-year goaltenders in Schenectady, as the Saints goaltender, Lucy Morgan, continued her rookie campaign with her fourth career shutout to improve the Saints record to 11-10-5 (6-6-2 ECAC). The first period saw both teams taking a penalty each, but neither team was able to break the tie after 40. With the loss, the Dutchwomen fall to 5-18-5 overall (5-8-3 ECAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- 5:29 3rd (SLU 1-0) | Shailynn Snow wrapped the puck along the boards, where it fell into the hands of Kayla Vespa, who was waiting at the top of the left circle. Vespa passed it to an open Julia Gosling, who scored from upfront to give the Saints a 1-0 lead, after two scoreless periods.
- 9:09 3rd (SLU 2-0) | After Union was called for tripping, St. Lawrence found themselves at an advantage. Gosling got the rebound from Kristen Guerriero's shot and gave it back to Guerriero. Rachel Telak got ahold of the puck and scored right past McKee on the power play to increase the Saints' advantage to two.
GAME NOTES:
- Union was outshot by the Saints, 45-17. Seniors Megan Ryan and Katelynn Russ led the Dutchwomen in shots individually, with four each.
- The Dutchwomen went 2-for-3 on the penalty kill in the contest but were unable to convert on their power play opportunities to get on the board.
- McKee made 43 saves in net for Union.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Dutchwomen will enjoy a bye weekend of no games this weekend, before going back on the road on February 7 to take on Quinnipiac in Hamden. Puck drop is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start in the Nutmeg State.
