PROVIDENCE, RI. - The Catamounts skated to a 0-0 tie with Providence (6-6-2, 3-5-2 HEA) on Saturday evening from Schneider Arena, seeing a shootout for the second night in a row. Senior goaltender Jane Gervais stood tall, notching a 30 save shutout along with stopping all three Friar attempts throughout the shootout. Ashley Kokavec tallied the game-winning goal for Vermont (3-8-2, 2-5-2 HEA) in the shootout as the Catamounts gear up to return home for a three game homestand.
COACH'S QUOTE
"These were a couple of big-time battles this weekend and I'm incredibly proud of everyone in our program for the heart they displayed," said Head Coach Jim Plumer. "We had moments of really good play in both games and others where we simply battled and relied on the outstanding goaltending of Jane Gervais. Overall, we are improving as a team and have especially cleaned up the defensive side of the game. Finally, it was a big shot in the arm to get Maddy Skelton back in the lineup this weekend and we are looking forward to a big week ahead with 3 games on tap."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After a scoreless first period, the defensive style of play continued into the second frame with neither team finding the back of the net after 40 minutes. Gervais entered the final period with 22 saves.
- Each team dialed up numerous excellent scoring opportunities throughout the remainder of regulation, but it was all about the spectacular play of Gervais and Hope Walinski that kept the game scoreless with time quickly expiring.
- Neither team scored in the three-on-three overtime period as the game went to a shootout for the second night in a row.
- Kokavec scored first during the shootout, wasting no time sniping her shot glove side high to put the Cats up, 1-0. Following Kokavec's tally, Vermont leaned on stellar blocks from Jane Gervais on the next two attempt from Providence, sealing the deal in the shootout and earning UVM an extra conference point.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Gervais notched her second shutout of the season, stopping all 30 shots faced in regulation and overtime, as well as the three successful stops in a shootout.
- Gervais is up to five games with 30 saves or more this season.
- Kokavec led a team high six shots on net.
- Evelyne Blais-Savoie earned a game-high 14 won faceoffs.
- Anna Podein and Blais-Savoie each notched a game-high three blocked shots.
- Vermont won 31 total faceoffs to Providence's 16 won faceoffs.
UP NEXT
Following the weekend series with Providence, Vermont returns home to Gutterson Fieldhouse for a non-conference mid-week matchup, playing host to Union on Wednesday (Nov. 20) during the team's first game of a three game homestand. Puck drop is slated for 6 p.m. and will be broadcast live on TSN+ as well as ESPN+ with Rob Ryan on the call. Fans can get their tickets here.
