PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Providence College women's ice hockey team (3-1-0) defeated visiting Clarkson Sunday, 5-0, continuing an impressive, early-season offensive attack. The Friars are now averaging five goals a game after the first four contests of 2010-2011.
The teams played a scoreless first period. Then PC erupted after intermission. Senior co-captain Alyse Ruff (Tualatin, Ore.) scored two power play strikes, at the 2:25 and 10:19 marks of the middle period, staking the Friars to a 2-0 lead. Both of Ruff's goals were set up by junior Jennifer Friedman (San Gabriel, Calif.) and sophomore Nicole Anderson (Jordan, Minn.)
The Friars extended the edge at 13:13 of the second. Sophomore Emily Groth (Monona, Wisc.) knocked in a rebound under the goalie's trapper for a 3-o lead. The score was Groth's first collegiately. Providence added a fourth goal late in the second period, as junior Kate Bacon (Chanhassen, Minn.) buried an unassisted tally. It was her fourth of the weekend.
Providence rounded out the scoring with 27 seconds to play in regulation. Junior Laura Veharanta (La Verne, Calif.) scored from just outside the right face-off circle, sealing the 5-0 decision. Ruff and Anderson each finished with three-point afternoons.
The Golden Knights (0-4-0) actually outshot the Friars 35-18. PC junior goalie Genevieve Lacasse turned aside everything for her tenth career shutout.
Providence travels to upstate New York for a pair next weekend. The Friars visit Syracuse on Friday (10/15) for a 7 p.m. face-off, then take on host colgate on Saturday (10/16) at 3 p.m. the black and white's next home game is Friday, October 22. RPI will come to Schneider Arena for a 7 p.m. start. Tickets are available by calling the Providence College ticket office at 401-865-GOPC.