TROY, NY. - RPI scored four straight goals down the stretch to secure the victory against Vermont Friday afternoon at Houston Field House. With the result, the Catamounts fall to 9-9-1 on the season while the Engineers improve to 8-11-3.
COACH'S QUOTE
"Tough game for us tonight. We are simply struggling to finish and aren't executing the way we are capable," Head Coach Jim Plumer said. "Credit to RPI. They played tough and weathered some storm when we were pressing, especially early in the game. I am hoping we can learn from this and be better tomorrow."
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- RPI sparked the scoring 5:39 into the second period following the scoreless first. Magdalena Erbenova fired a shot from the left point that deflected off a UVM skater and into the net to put Rensselaer up 1-0.
- Vermont leveled the score 7:51 into the second period. Kaylee Lewis initiated the play by connecting with Lara Beecher, setting off an offensive rush for the Cats. Beecher entered the offensive zone and unleashed a shot from below the left faceoff circle, which deflected off an RPI stick and found the back of the net. Bella Parento contributed with the secondary assist on this play.
- RPI added a second goal in the period at the 15:30 mark. Michelle Nutescu fired a shot from the point that was tipped in by Nyah Philips to put the Engineers up 2-1 in the second frame.
- Rensselaer widened their lead to two goals at the 17:48 mark of the second period. Erbenova gained possession of a loose puck in their defensive zone and made a precise pass to Ellie Kaiser, who quickly located Wagner at the blue line. Wagner skated in on Sydney Correa (24 saves) and delivered a shot just beyond Correa's blocker on the far side, extending RPI's lead to 3-1.
- The Engineers increased their lead 4:09 into the third period. Maddy Papineau found Kaiser in the slot, and Kaiser unleashed a snapshot through the five-hole, extending RPI's lead to 4-1. Taryn Rathwell earned the secondary assist on the play.
- RPI grew their lead to 5-1 with 3:38 remaining in the third period. Morgann Skoda released a shot from the point that ricocheted off another Vermont skate and redirected into the back of the net.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Natálie Mlýnková led all skaters with seven shots on goal.
- Rose-Marie Brochu won a team high seven faceoffs in her 11 attempts.
- 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 are back in action tomorrow to close their two-game series with RPI. Game time is set for 3 p.m. from Troy, New York at Houston Field House. Catch all the action live on ESPN+.
