Three third-period goals were too much as the seventh-ranked Clarkson University Women’s Hockey team fell to top-ranked Wisconsin 4-1 on Saturday afternoon in Cheel Arena.
Clarkson is now 2-3-1 on the season while Wisconsin improves to 5-0-1.
The Badgers got on the scoreboard with the only goal of the first period. The goal came with just one minute left in the frame. Presley Norby’s shot was saved by Clarkson goaltender Shea Tiley, but Sydney McKibbon was there to tap home the rebound.
Clarkson answered with a goal late in the third period. During a power-play, Genevieve Bannon worked with the puck behind the Wisconsin net. She was able to get free and then sent a pass to Josiane Pozzebon who was free in front of the goal. Pozzebon lifted a shot to score and tie the game. The assist represented the 100th career point for Bannon and she becomes just the 12th Clarkson player to reach that mark.
With the teams tied heading into the final frame, a close finish was expected. However, midway through the period Wisconsin broke out for two quick goals to create breathing room. First, Sarah Nurse found Norby behind the Clarkson defense and Norby was able to score. Just 1:48 later, Nurse scored a short-handed goal of her own when McKibbon sent a cross-ice pass during a Wisconsin counter. The Badgers added one more goal at 15:28 when Norby returned the favor and set up McKibbon.
Wisconsin finished with a slight 28-25 advantage in shots. Clarkson was 1-5 on the power-play and killed all four Wisconsin extra man opportunities. Both Tiley and Wisconsin goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens finished with 24 saves.
Clarkson’s next game will be on October 22nd, when the Golden Knights travel to play the University of New Hampshire.
