BURLINGTON, Vt. -The 13th-ranked Vermont women's hockey team fell to ninth-ranked Clarkson 4-2 Friday night in the Catamounts Home Opener presented by TD Bank at Gutterson Fieldhouse. With the win, the Golden Knights improved to 5-0-0 on the season while the Catamounts fell to 0-1-0.
COACH'S QUOTE
"Clarkson was the better team tonight and deserved the win," Head Coach Jim Plumer said. "There's a lot for us to learn from and adjust to and that's our goal for tomorrow - to be better and more poised."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Alaina Tanski scored the first goal of the season for Vermont just 2:16 into the contest. Tanski capitalized on a well-timed pass from Anna Podein as she weaved her way through Clarkson's defense to ignite the Catamount's scoring.
- Clarkson responded just 30 seconds later with a goal of their own. Anne Cherkowski intercepted a Vermont pass and found a streaking Brooke McQuigge in front of the net for the equalizing goal.
- The Golden Knights struck again 11:33 into the first period. Alexie Guay initiated the play, delivering the puck to Darcie Lappan who returned it back to her. Guay avoided the Vermont defense to net the go-ahead goal. Shelby Laidlaw also received an assist.
- Clarkson doubled its advantage less one minute into the second period. Cherkowski intercepted Jessie McPherson's clear attempt and found Dominique Petrie in the slot for Clarkson's third consecutive goal.
- Vermont cut the Golden Knight lead in half less than two minutes later. Tanski forced a Clarkson turnover creating a two-on-one rush. Tanski dropped it back for Lily Humphrey who netted a well-placed wrist shot.
- 8:30 into the final period Clarkson added to their lead. Petrie turned Vermont over in their own defensive end. McQuigge corralled the loose puck and fed Cherkowski in the slot who finished the play for the Golden Knights.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The Catamounts blocked 19 shots on Friday, led by Krista Parkkonen and Sara Levesque with four apiece.
- Natalie Mlynkova had a strong performance in the faceoff circle, winning 14 of her 19 draws.
UP NEXT
The Catamounts return to action against No. 9 Clarkson Saturday at 7 p.m. Fans are invited to have Carnival Snacks with the Cats on Saturday, there will be cotton candy and mini donuts. Fans with a men's exhibition ticket for Saturday will receive a free women's ticket for the Saturday night showdown. All the action will be streamed live on ESPN+ with Brian McLaughlin on the call.
