Newark DE. - Union (4-1-0) saw its four-game winning streak snapped Friday night, falling 2-1 to the University of Delaware (2-4-1) in Newark, Delaware. Junior
Jill Willis scored the lone goal for the Garnet Chargers, continuing her hot streak with a power-play tally in the first period. Despite a dominant offensive performance that saw Union outshoot the Blue Hens 47-12, Delaware's goaltender stood tall to secure the victory.
Union came out with a purpose in the opening period, applying pressure early and outshooting Delaware 16-7 through the first 20 minutes. The Blue Hens opened the scoring at the 11:46 mark with a power-play goal from Katie Belk. The Garnet Chargers responded on the following power play at 16:53, as Willis continued her hot streak with a chaotic sequence in front of the net that ultimately found the back of the goal. Juniors Klara Kenttälä and Hayley Kelleher picked up the assists on the equalizer to even the score at 1-1. Delaware goaltender Mattie Robitzer stood tall with 15 saves in the opening period, while sophomore Emma Rhéaume made six key saves to keep the game tied heading into the second.
The Garnet Chargers carried that momentum into the second period, continuing to apply pressure and outshooting Delaware 18-3. Union controlled much of the action, spending the majority of the period in Blue Hens territory and creating several scoring opportunities. Despite the offensive pressure, Delaware found the back of the net at the 11:11 mark, as Lily Myers scored to give the Blue Hens a 2-1 advantage. Union continued to push for the equalizer throughout the remainder of the period, but Robitzer came up with several key stops to preserve Delaware's one-goal lead heading into the final 20 minutes.
Union came out with renewed energy in the third period, looking to even the score and complete the comeback. Delaware responded with pressure of its own, forcing the Garnet Chargers to battle through the neutral zone as both teams fought for control of the puck. The Chargers continued to search for openings in the Blue Hens' defense, keeping the pressure on as the clock wound down. With 1:44 remaining, Union pulled Rhéaume for the extra attacker, adding another offensive threat in hopes of finding the equalizer. The Chargers pushed the puck toward the Delaware net and generated late opportunities, but the Blue Hens' defense held firm, clearing away dangerous chances and preventing Union from getting the tying goal across the line.
Despite a relentless offensive effort, the Garnet Chargers fell 2-1 to Delaware on Friday night in Newark. Union finished the contest with a commanding 47-12 advantage in shots on goal and won the faceoff battle 43-16, consistently generating opportunities throughout all three periods. Robitzer delivered a standout performance for the Blue Hens, finishing with 46 saves to keep Union off the scoreboard after Willis' first-period equalizer. Rhéaume recorded 10 saves for the Garnet Chargers.
Union will look to bounce back on Saturday afternoon as the two teams wrap up the weekend series in Delaware. The Garnet Chargers return to the ice at 2 p.m. with another opportunity to respond and get back in the win column.
