SCHENECTADY, NY – For the first time in program history, the Union College women’s ice hockey team has swept back-to-back ECAC opponents and opened up ECAC play at 2-0.
The Dutchwomen defeated Yale University this afternoon, 3-1, after also defeating Brown last night, 6-3.
The first period was a chess match between the Dutchwomen and Bulldogs. However, first year Megan Ryan got things going for the Dutch, as she would score unassisted in the 13th minute of play. With a pack of bulldogs surrounding Ryan, she managed to maneuver throughout the group and get a hard shot off.
Up 1-0 in the second period, the Dutch were cluttered around Yale’s net. From outside, Caitlyn McLaren made a strong strike. The shot would ultimately be blocked, but not before the puck deflected off several other Dutchwomen and eventually made its way to Cheyenne Harris. Harris, who leads the team in assists, managed to dump the puck past the clutter and Yale’s goalie to give Union the 2-0 advantage. Less than three minutes later, Bulldog Kara Drexler scored on a power play, coming within one of Union.
Despite an evenly matched third period, Union committed two penalties, giving Yale the one-up advantage. Union’s penalty kill stepped up to the challenge, as they were able to get through both penalties unscathed, and preserve their lead. Goalie Coco Francis was unstoppable in the third period as well, with 14 saves. With under one minute to go in regulation, Yale pulled its goalie and Arianna Kosakowski sniped a shot from across the ice to solidify Union’s win, 3-1.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
-Ryan’s goal tonight was the first of her career as a Dutchwoman.
-Harris’ goal was the first of her sophomore campaign. She currently has six points on the season with five assists and tonight’s goal.
-Helen Markovic and Kosakowski were awarded assists on Harris’ goal.
-Kosakowski scored her fourth goal of the season and currently leads the team with seven points this season.
-Francis had 30 saves in tonight’s victory. Last night’s win made Francis the first goalie in Union history to win her first ECAC start. Naturally, tonight also makes her the first Union goalie to win her first two ECAC starts.
