BURLINGTON, Vt. - Junior forward Evelyne Blais-Savoie scored a power play goal 3:31 into overtime to lift 12th-ranked Vermont over New Hampshire 2-1 Saturday evening at Gutterson Fieldhouse. With the win, the Catamounts improve to 5-2-1 on the season and 4-0-0 in conference play.
COACH'S QUOTE
"A really great team win today against a UNH team that played an excellent game," Head Coach Jim Plumer said. "I'm so proud of our team for the way they played. It's hard to sweep a team and we continue to rise to the challenges. Jessie McPherson was outstanding today and a big reason for the win and credit to our power play for coming through when we needed them. Now it's on to a Holy Cross team that beat Northeastern last night. We are looking forward to another challenge next Friday."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After a scoreless opening period, the defensive battle continued in the second. The Catamounts held a 9-7 advantage in shots during the middle frame, but it was New Hampshire that had the closest scoring chance. With 1:24 remaining in the period, Charli Kettyle fired a slap shot from the left faceoff circle, narrowly missing with a deflection off the left post.
- Natálie Mlýnková scored 5:46 into the third period to break the draw. Off a Wildcat turnover in their defensive zone, Mlýnková weaved her way through the defense, across the mouth of the goal, and fired a wrist shot into the top right corner of the net.
- New Hampshire scored the equalizing goal with 6:15 remaining. From behind the net, Sydney Leonard found Annie Berry in the low slot to tie the game at one. Kyla Bent was credited with the secondary assist.
- With 3:07 remaining, a well-timed pass led to a one-on-one rush for the Wildcats. Jada Christian fired a quick wrist shot but was turned away by Jessie McPherson (22 saves).
- Evelyne Blais-Savoie netted the game winning power play goal with 1:29 remaining in overtime period. Mlýnková received a pass from Krista Parkkonen and rifled a shot from the high slot. Blais-Savoie rebounded the loose puck and fired the puck from the left faceoff circle past New Hampshire's Sedona Blair (28 saves).
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- With her score and assist, Mlýnková moved into the top ten all-time leaders in points (75) for the Catamounts.
- Mlýnková also had an impressive day in the faceoff circle, winning 13 of her 16 draws.
- With the win, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to King Street Center as part of the Cats Win, Community Wins initiative. Since its inauguration in 2017, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group has donated over $80,000 to local non-profits through the Cats Win, Community Wins initiative.
UP NEXT:
Vermont returns to action next week to face Holy Cross in a single-game matchup from Worcester, Mass. The Catamounts and Crusaders are set to go head-to-head on Friday at 6 p.m. Catch all the action live on ESPN+.
