PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Senior Captain Natálie Mlýnková netted the game-tying goal with 4.6 seconds remaining in regulation to send the Catamounts to overtime. Lily Humphrey connected on her shootout opportunity to earn the extra point for Vermont. With the result, Vermont moves to 11-15-4 (9-11-3 HEA) while Providence stands at 11-15-5 (10-9-5 HEA).
COACH'S QUOTE
"Our team dug in today and gutted this one out and I'm very proud of them for that," Head Coach Jim Plumer said. "Jessie McPherson was absolutely outstanding in net and we found a way to hang in there and tie the game late on a tremendous shot by Natálie Mlýnková. There have been so many games this year when we couldn't catch a break and today looked the same when their go-ahead goal deflected off one of our defenders so perhaps it was a little poetic justice that we were able to tie it and get the extra point in the shootout. These last two weekends figure to be very meaningful for the entire league."
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- After a scoreless opening period, Vermont broke through 19 seconds into the second frame. Humphrey entered the offensive zone with speed before firing a centering feed to Mlýnková. Skating in, Mlýnková collapsed the defensive, before dumping off to Alaina Tanski who rifled a shot far-side and in for her fourth goal of the season.
- Providence responded with the equalizing goal just over a minute later. After Jessie McPherson's initial save on Kiara Kraft's shot from the point, Ashley Clark pounced on the loose puck. Spinning around in the slot, Clark wristed home the equalizing goal glove-side high.
- The Friars netted the go-ahead goal 14:45 into the third period. Clark located Brooke Becker with a cross ice pass to point. Brooke drove a shot that deflected off a Catamount skater and in to give Providence a 2-1 advantage.
- With four seconds remaining and McPherson pulled, the Catamounts connected on the equalizing goal when Humphrey located Mlýnková gliding into the high slot. Corralling the pass, Mlýnková drove a hard slapshot blocker-side high into the top corner of the goal evening the game at two.
- Humphrey was the lone skater to connect on her shootout opportunity to earn Vermont the extra point with McPherson making four stops in the shootout.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- With her score today, Mlýnková has now recorded a goal in four straight games.
- McPherson made a season-high 34 saves Saturday afternoon, her second consecutive game reaching the 30-plus saves mark.
- With today's 2-2 decision, Community Bank N.A. will donate $150 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 to action next weekend as they welcome Boston University and 13th ranked UConn to Gutterson Fieldhouse. All the action will be streamed live on ESPN+ with Rob Ryan on the call.
