TROY, N.Y. - RPI responded strongly to Vermont's fast start, scoring five consecutive goals in the last two periods to secure a 5-1 victory on Saturday afternoon at Houston Field House. Following the result, the Catamounts' record now stands at 9-10-1 for the season, while RPI improves to 9-11-3.
COACH'S QUOTE:
"A tough weekend overall for us," Head Coach Jim Plumer said. "As coaches, we are going to have to work through some things after this weekend. We will be ready for Providence next weekend."
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Vermont gained the lead with an early goal 5:52 into the first period. Lily Humphrey delivered a pass to Julia Mesplède during the breakout. Mesplède maneuvered through three RPI defenders before delivering a cross-crease pass to Maddy Skelton. Skelton lifted the puck into the short-side corner, securing her fifth goal of the season.
- The Engineers responded with a power play goal 6:16 into the second frame. Taylor Larsen skated up the ice during the controlled breakout, entering Vermont's defensive zone. Larsen then delivered a centering pass to Marah Wagner, who received the puck and unleashed a shot just beneath Ellie Simmons' (17 saves) pads, leveling the game at 1-1.
- Rensselaer secured their first lead of the game with 38 seconds left in the second period. Taking advantage of a defensive zone turnover by Vermont, MJ Alexander seized the loose puck and sent a precise pass to the front of the net. Morgann Skoda received the feed and promptly one-timed the go-ahead goal for RPI.
- RPI widened their lead to two goals at the 8:16 mark of the third period. Isabelle Hardy gathered the puck at center ice and carried it into the offensive zone. Hardy then sent a pass to Aylah Cioffi, who unleashed a powerful wrist shot into the top left corner, extending RPI's lead to 3-1.
- The Engineers struck once more in less than a minute to make it a 4-1 contest. Cioffi intercepted a Vermont clearing attempt, deftly returning the puck to Nina Christof. Christof unleashed a shot to the far side, securing her seventh goal of the season.
- Rensselaer increased their lead to 5-1 at the 15:27 mark of the third period. Aylah Cioffi capitalized on a rebound from Hardy's shot, tucking home her second goal of the game from the low slot.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Natálie Mlýnková won all 16 of her draws in the faceoff circle for Vermont.
- Mlýnková led all skaters in shots on goal for the second consecutive game with seven.
- With today's 5-1 decision, Community Bank N.A. will donate $75 to Special Olympics Vermont. Community Bank, N.A. donates $75 per goal to Special Olympics Vermont for every goal the men's and women's team scores this season.
UP NEXT:
The Catamounts return home as they welcome Providence College to Gutterson Fieldhouse for a two-game series next weekend. Game time is set for 6 p.m. on Friday as Vermont faces off in their first conference game of 2024. Catch all the action on ESPN+ with Rob Ryan on the call.
