On Saturday night the Lady Saints took the ice at Appleton with the hope of picking up their first home victory. It was not to be however, as Boston University managed a 2-2 tie. The action was quick during the first period, as Boston University controlled the tempo of the game and outshot the Saints by a hefty margin of 13-3. Jonnie Bloemers opened the scoring for Boston at the 12:34 mark of the first period.
Coming out for the second period however, the Saints answered back as Vanessa Emond ’12 scored on a wrist shot that snuck over the goalie’s shoulder. With the tables turned, the Saints looked to capitalize and take the lead as they nearly equaled the Terriers in shots. With just 2:15 remaining in the second period, the Terriers took the lead once again off a goal scored by Carly Warren.
Though the momentum was in Boston’s favor, the Saints came out on a tear, peppering Boston’s goalie with many shots. However, at the 9:56 mark of the third period it was Emond scoring again as she ripped a top shelf rebound shot. Assisting on the play were Courtney Sawchuk ’10 and Kayla Sullivan ’13. Though her goal would help drive the Saints, they were unable to gain the advantage and score the go-ahead goal. With the game tied, the action was frantic and loose, as both teams traded shots and scoring opportunities for the remainder of the game.
There were no goals for the remainder of the game and even overtime would not yield a winner. Brittony Chartier ’10 backstopped the Saints and managed a season-high 33 saves in the effort. Though the Saints were out shot 35-29, they stood their ground and played very well against a tough team.
Game two of the weekend was against #3 ranked New Hampshire, who came into Saturday afternoon’s game 5-0-1 in the season. It was New Hampshire who controlled the pace of the game as they showcased their strong power play and scored just 3:48 into the first frame. Though down 1-0, the Saints were not out of the game as Michelle Ng ’13 tied the score, making a shot past UNH goalie Brittany Skudder for her first career goal.
The tie would not last long however, as the Wildcats were able to score just 4:09 later. After just killing off a penalty, the Saints were attempting to clear the zone when UNH forward Kelly Paton grabbed the puck and banked a shot off of goalie Brittony Chartier’s ‘10 skate to give the Wildcats a 2-1 lead. UNH also out shot the Saints by a wide margin of 17-7.
The second period was much of the same as UNH controlled the tempo and added another goal at the 15:15 mark, once again on the power play. This time it was Raylen Dziengelewski scoring off a deflection that went over Chartier’s shoulder, for the third UNH goal of the game.
It was in the third however, that the Saints began to hit their stride and take control of the game. Emond helped drive the Saints early in the third by creating plenty of scoring opportunities and setting up Kelly Sabatine ‘13 for an important goal that would cut the deficit to one. It was also Emond who again ignited the offense, later setting up Sullivan for her second career goal that tied the game. With only 2:13 remaining, Coach Wells decided to opt for the extra attacker and turn a power play into a 6-4 advantage, which proved desicive in the 3-3 tie.
Throughout the third frame and overtime, play was sporadic as both teams struggled to gain a foothold. After a few scoring opportunities, the game eventually ended in a 3-3 tie. Though the lady Saints remain winless at home, it must be noted that they have managed three ties against very strong opponents. The Saints will next be in action Tuesday, October 27th against archrival Clarkson. They will then host Yale and Brown on the 30th and 31st.
