SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - The Union College women's hockey team fell 2-1 to #8 St. Cloud State University Huskies Saturday afternoon at Messa Rink.

Senior Maddie Suitor scored the lone goal for the Garnet Chargers while junior Mallory Mauracher and sophomore Maddie Leaney assisted on the goal.

The Huskies came out with offensive pressure outshooting Union 21-1 in the first frame. St. Cloud tallied 14 shots on net in the first ten minutes of action but the Garnet Chargers played a strong defensive game to keep the score locked at zero halfway through the first.

However, the Huskies scored their first goal of the game 11 minutes in. After a Union turnover, Abby Promerberger fired an initial slapshot from the top of the right circle. Union's goaltender made the save, but the rebound bounced loose, giving Alice Sauriol a chance for a second attempt—though she could not capitalize. Sofia Sudelin retrieved the loose puck from Sauriol's try and tapped the puck into the right side of the net.

Union continued their defensive effort, blocking four shots, while senior goaltender Sophie Matsoukas made an additional five saves in the latter half of the period. The Garnet Chargers had a power play chance late in the first but were unable to convert on the opportunity.

In the second period, the Huskies had a goal called back just 2:23 in after Union successfully challenged for offside. The next 10 minutes of action the Garnet Chargers had a great breakaway opportunity by senior Paige Greco and one powerplay opportunity. On the defensive end, Union killed off one penalty, blocked four shots, while Matsoukas made three additional saves.

However, St. Cloud scored their second goal 10:31 into the second frame of action. After an attempted regrouping effort by Union in the defensive zone, Avery Myers was able to pokecheck the puck off a Union defender's stick into the net. 

Matsoukas made four additional saves and Union rounded out the period with a second powerplay opportunity but could not convert.

In the final frame of action, St. Cloud registered eight additional shots and had one powerplay chance but the Garnet Chargers did not let the Huskies convert on any additional opportunities. 

With 3:37 remaining in regulation, Union pulled Matsoukas for an extra attacker, and just 1:05 later, the Huskies drew a penalty for interference, making it a 6-on-4 advantage. The Garnet Chargers took advantage, cutting the deficit in half.

After receiving a pass from senior Maren Friday, Leaney fired the puck from the right side goal line into traffic at the front of the net. Mauracher was able to deflect the puck to Suitor who banged the puck home into the left side of the net.

Union had one additional shot opportunity but were unable to tie the game. Matsoukas was stellar in net, making 36 saves and keeping the game within reach for the Garnet Chargers.

Women's hockey is back in action next weekend returning to ECAC conference play. Puck drop is set for 6:00 pm Friday against Yale University and 3:00 pm on Saturday versus Brown University.