MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Senior defenseman Maren Friday became the all-time leader in goals scored by a defenseman in Union Women's Hockey history, in Friday's 3-1 loss to Robert Morris University.
Friday registered her 13th goal of her career, surpassing Megan Ryan '20 and Cheyenne Harris '20 who both registered 12 goals during their careers.
The Garnet Chargers and the Colonials both had even opportunities in the early minutes of the first period, but the Colonials capitalized first 4:48 into the game. A pass by Jannelle Evans from the boards to the slot allowed time and space for Thalia D'Elia to wrist a shot into top right corner of the net.
The Garnet Chargers continued to put on offensive pressure, leading the period in shots on goal, nine to seven, but could not capitalize until the second period. Robert Morris's too many players on the ice penalty set up Friday to register her all-time leading goal for defenseman at 10:02 in the second period.
A shot from sophomore Maddie Leaney from the top of the right circle was redirected in front of the net by first year Karianne Engelbert to the left side of the crease, allowing Friday to skate in and cash in on the rebound.
No additional goals were scored in the second, but Union continued to dominate shots ending the period with 12 more on goal and the Colonials recording nine.
In the third period, several penalties hindered the momentum of Union, allowing the Colonials to score two additional goals including the go-ahead goal.
A penalty by Union early in the third set up Veronica Bac to cash in on her first goal of two on the night, 1:46 into the third period. A pass from D'Elia from the top of right circle allowed Alaina Giampietro to take a wrist shot from the slot. The shot deflected off the outside of Bac's left skate, trickling into the left side of the net.
Bac recorded her second goal in the last second of the game. A pass by D'Elia from the boards to Bac allowed her to take a shot from below the hashes and cash in on her rebound.
The Garnet Chargers finished with 33 shots on net, while the Colonials recorded 26. Engelbert registered her first career point with an assist on Friday's goal and senior goalie Sophie Matsoukas finished with 23 saves on the evening.
Union looks to split the series with Robert Morris on Saturday. Puck drop is set for 3:00 pm eastern time at Colonial Arena.
