Newark DE. - Union (5-1-0) bounced back with a 5-2 win over the University of Delaware (2-5-1) on Saturday afternoon in Newark, Delaware. The Garnet Chargers' first-year class made a big impact, combining for six points on the afternoon. Ella Skotty netted her first collegiate goal, while Madi Gaines added another tally. Classmates Evie Hanson and Lily Oster each recorded multiple assists to help power Union to the bounce-back victory. Junior Karianne Engelbert also delivered a big performance, scoring twice to help lead the Garnet Chargers to the 5-2 win.
The Blue Hens came out with energy, looking to set the tone early, but the Garnet Chargers quickly took control. At the 13:13 mark, Delaware's Tiana McIntyre was called for a penalty, resulting in a penalty shot for first-year Ella Skotty. Skotty capitalized on the opportunity, netting the first collegiate goal of her career to put Union on the board. The Garnet Chargers kept the pressure on, earning a power play at the 6:25 mark. Gaines made the most of the opportunity, burying a power-play goal off assists from Hanson and Oster to double Union's lead. The offense wasn't done yet, as junior Karianne Engelbert found the back of the net at the 3:09 mark following a chaotic sequence. Senior Maddie Leaney and junior Jill Willis picked up the assists, sending the Garnet Chargers into the first intermission with a commanding 3-0 lead. Union outshot Delaware 17-8 in the opening period, but Blue Hens goaltender Mattie Robitzer stood tall, making 14 saves to keep the deficit at three.
Both teams came out battling in the second period, keeping the pace high as the action continued. At the 16:25 mark, Delaware found its footing as Francesca Barresi found the back of the net to cut Union's lead to two. Looking to regain momentum, the Garnet Chargers earned their sixth power-play opportunity of the afternoon, and Engelbert delivered once again scoring her second goal of the game and the 16th powerplay goal of her collegiate career, extending Union's lead. Hanson and Oster connected for their second assist combination of the afternoon, continuing to make an impact on the offensive end.
The Blue Hens continued to fight, as Katelynn Charlton found the back of the net at the 17:50 mark to cut into Union's lead once again. The Garnet Chargers responded just seconds later, as senior Maddie Leaney buried a goal at the 17:17 mark to restore Union's two-goal advantage and help seal the victory. Senior Quinn Dunkle and junior Jill Willis recorded the assists on the insurance goal.
Senior goaltender Monja Wagner delivered an impressive performance between the pipes, recording 17 saves to help keep the Garnet Chargers in control throughout the afternoon. Delaware netminder Robitzer was equally busy, covering up 34 shots in another strong showing. Union outshot the Blue Hens 86-31 across the weekend, highlighting the Garnet Chargers' offensive pressure.
The Garnet Chargers return home next weekend for their home opener at M&T Bank Center during Homecoming and Family Weekend. Union will welcome No. 4 Quinnipiac on Friday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. for its Domestic Violence Awareness Game before facing No. 7 Princeton on Saturday, Oct. 24, for its Breast Cancer Awareness Game. Saturday's matchup will also feature free admission and a postgame skate with the team. Kids Club members can stick around for a postgame trick-or-treat!
