ITHACA, N.Y. – The Union College women's hockey team fell to Cornell University 5-3 at Lynah Rink on Saturday afternoon. Juniors Carmen Merlo, Emily King, and first-year Emma Hebert found the back of the net for the Dutchwomen.

Merlo, King, and Hebert all scored in the game for the Dutchwomen. Hebert's second period goal was her first collegiate goal. Sophomore Josie McLeod tallied two assists in the effort. King, Hebert, Merlo, and sophomore Celeste Beaudoin all added assists as well.  

Cornell found the back of the net at the 10:25 mark of the first period to take a 1-0 lead. Union evened things up less than two minutes later when Merlo gathered in a loose puck following a shot from McLeod, and Merlo sent a wrister at Cornell net minder Lindsay Browning and her shot broke through her pads and trickled into the back of the net. McLeod and King were credited with assists.

Cornell scored two more times in the period, including once on a 5 on 3 in the final minutes of the period. Union was outshot 14-6 in the period.

In the second period King cut into the Cornell lead after Hebert pulled the puck off the wall and threw a shot at the net and King buried the rebound to cut the lead to 3-2. This goal coming at the 3:02 mark of the second period. Beaudoin added a helper on King's goal.

Half way through the second period Hebert evened things up again for Union. Hebert received a back-hand pass from McLeod before teeing up the shot and beating Browning high over her shoulder. This goal was the first one of Hebert's collegiate career. McLeod and Merlo tallied assists on the play.

With less then four minutes to play in the period. Cornell was able to jump back in front, making it 4-3 Big Red. Cornell tallied once more in the third period to extend their lead to 5-3 and hang on for the win.

First-year goalie Sophie Matsoukas stopped 32 shots in the effort. Senior Cassidy Michalicka was excellent in the face off circle winning 14-18 draws for the Dutchwomen. Union went 0-3 on the power-play and 1-2 on the penalty kill.  

Union will get back to work on Friday, February 18, when they host Dartmouth at Messa Rink. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m.