A dramatic comeback ensured the fourth-ranked Clarkson University Women’s Hockey team remained unbeaten in a season record 13 games as the Golden Knights earned a 2-2 tie with third-ranked Quinnipiac on Saturday afternoon.
Clarkson is now 23-3-5 overall and 12-3-5 in conference while Quinnipiac is 24-2-5 and 14-2-4 in ECAC Hockey. Clarkson still has a slim chance at a third straight conference title as they sit three points behind the Bobcats with two games remaining. The Green and Gold have clinched home ice in the first round of the ECAC Tournament.
Quinnipiac got the scoring started very early, tallying a goal just 1:07 into the first period. Emma Woods scored it with Taylar Cianfarano getting the assist.
Clarkson outshot the Bobcats 20-15 in the first two periods, but had little to show for it as Quinnipiac maintained its 1-0 lead after 40 minutes. Clarkson did not fold though and tied the game 3:54 into the final frame. Freshman Loren Gabel scored with junior Genevieve Bannon assisting her.
Quinnipiac responded though, regaining the lead less than six minutes later with Melissa Samoskevich scoring a power-play goal. Woods and Nicole Kosta had the assists.
As the clock wound down, so did Clarkson’s title hopes as a Quinnipiac win would give the Bobcats a conference title. With less than a minute remaining, Clarkson extended Quinnipiac’s wait until next weekend. Junior assistant captain Cayley Mercer scored the game-tying goal after Clarkson had pulled sophomore goaltender Shea Tiley for an extra attacker. Senior captain Shannon MacAulay and senior assistant captain Erin Ambrose grabbed the assists.
Clarkson outshot Quinnipiac 28-24. Clarkson was 0-4 on the power-play while the Bobcats took advantage of one of their three extra man opportunities. Tiley made 22 saves for Clarkson while Sydney Rossman had 26 stops for Quinnipiac.
Clarkson will close out the regular season next weekend when Brown and Yale come to Cheel Arena.
