TROY, N.Y. – The Union College women's hockey team fell 2–1 in overtime to cross-town rival Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Friday afternoon at Houston Field House.

Junior Maddie Leaney scored the lone goal for the Garnet Chargers, with assists from sophomores Karianne Engelbert and Jill Willis.

Five minutes into the opening frame, Union went on the penalty kill but successfully fought off the infraction. The Garnet Chargers then earned back-to-back power-play opportunities at 12:42 and 14:29, including a brief 5-on-3 advantage, but were unable to convert. Union finished the period shorthanded once again yet managed to kill off the penalty. RPI held a 12–8 edge in shots after 20 minutes of play.

Union opened the second period on a five-minute power play after Rensselaer was assessed a major penalty for hitting from behind but again came up empty. Four minutes later, however, Leaney broke the deadlock with the game's first goal. Willis fired the initial shot from the slot, Engelbert jabbed at the rebound before being knocked down, and Leaney skated in to bury the loose puck for a 1–0 Union lead heading into the third period.

The Engineers tied the game midway through the third period as Charlotte Wensley scored from a sharp angle. Union responded with several quality chances on a late power play but could not find the go-ahead goal. The teams finished regulation skating four-on-four after both were assessed roughing minors, and traded quality scoring chances before heading into overtime.

In the extra frame, Wensley netted her second of the game, scoring on a breakaway less than a minute left in overtime to lift the Engineers past Union, 2–1.

First-year goaltender Emma Rhéaume stood tall in net for the Garnet Chargers, making 28 saves in the loss.

Union wraps up the rivalry series against Rensselaer tomorrow at M&T Bank Center for its Faculty and Staff Appreciation Game, with puck drop scheduled for 3:00 p.m.