VERMONT TOPPED BY MONTREAL IN EXHIBITION, 2-1

Junior defenseman Megan Dalbec had an assist for the Catamounts

BURLINGTON, Vt. - Elo Rousseau Sirois made 31 saves as Montreal defeated Vermont 2-1 Sunday afternoon in the Catamounts' season opener at Gutterson Fieldhouse.

The Catamounts came out strong in the first period, outshooting the Carabins 5-0 through the first five minutes. Montreal opened the scoring on its first shot of the game. On a two-on-one Kim Deschenes fed Marion Allemoz with a cross-crease pass that she redirected past Roxanne Douville at the 10:27 mark.

Vermont's best opportunity to equalize in the first period came on a penalty shot. Sophomore forward Brittany Zuback earned the chance after being hauled down from behind on a breakaway just after a successful Vermont penalty kill. Zuback tried to go through the five-hole on Sirois but she was equal to the task.

Vermont continued to put pressure on the Carabins in the second period. Vermont got on the board on its third power play of the afternoon. Megan Dalbec's point shot was deflected in front of the net and sophomore transfer Sarah Campbell scored her first goal as a Catamount off the rebound. Erin Wente picked up the second assist on the goal at the 8:51 mark of the second frame.

Midway through the second period senior goaltender Kelci Lanthier took over for Douville, in a planned maneuver to get both goaltenders action in the Catamounts lone preseason tilt.

Montreal scored the game-winning goal late in the second period on another odd-man rush. Lanthier made the initial save on passing play from Maude Gelinas to Lauren Beaulieu, but Alice Lemieux found the rebound sitting in the crease to give the Carabins a one-goal lead with 2:17 left in the second period.

After a five-minute major for hitting from behind late in the second the Catamounts were given a golden opportunity to tie the game on the power play early in the third period. Vermont got chances but Sirois was there to shut the door. She made nine saves in the third period to seal the Carabins victory.

Vermont hosts Penn State in the Nittany Lions first Division I game on Saturday (Oct. 6) at 2 p.m. as they return to action at Gutterson Fieldhouse. Tickets to the game can be purchased online at UVMathletics.com, via the phone at 802-656-4410 or in person the day of the game at the gate.

NOTES: Vermont is now 3-5-1 against teams from Quebec ... Vermont outshot the Carabins by a 32-12 margin ... Sarah Campbell was named the game's second star.

WOMEN'S HOCKEY ALUMNAE WEEKEND

All women's hockey alumnae are invited to the alumnae weekend, taking place October 5-7, 2012 around Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. Attendees are welcome to attend one, several or all events throughout the weekend. Friday night, all former student-athletes are invited to attend a reception at Halvorson's Upstreet Cafe. Saturday has numerous events, including the Women's Hockey home opener against Penn State with a current player and alumnae reception following the game. Sunday, the Alumnae Game will take place at 11 a.m. followed by a gathering for alumnae and Women's Hockey vs. Penn State at 2 p.m. For more information or to register, please contact our Victory Club Office at 802-656-0956 or Victory.Club@uvm.edu.