SCHENECTADY, NY – The Union College Dutchwomen defeated the Merrimack Warriors in game two of the series this afternoon, 2-0.
Merrimack came out strong, controlling the majority of the offensive momentum in the first period. Despite the efforts, Union earned a power play with five minutes to go. First year Hannah Schultz notched the puck in, after a scramble in front of the Merrimack goal. With Schultz’s goal, the Dutchwomen headed into the intermission with the 1-0 advantage.
The second period proved to be a continuous battle. Merrimack out shot the Dutchwomen 17 to five, putting immense pressure on Union’s defense. However, with great defensive efforts and crucial saves from Coco Francis, Union held onto the lead heading into the final period.
Union earned a power play at the nine minute mark, but a Union holding penalty settled the score with four-on-four action. Just over seven minutes to go in regulation, Haley Shugart grabbed hold of the puck and got a clean pass off to Helen Markovic, who was camped out in front of Merrimack’s goal. Markovic sniped a shot off to give Union the two goal advantage.
Merrimack would threaten late in the game, when Union went man down on an interference penalty with 1:56 left to play. The Warriors also pulled their goalie, leaving MC with a six to four skater advantage. However, Markovic’s goal would be enough to secure Union’s shutout win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
-Francis earned the first shutout of her career this afternoon. It was the first Union shutout since Friday Oct. 14, 2016 against RIT. Union also won that match up, 2-0.
-Merrimack out shot Union 40-20.
-Schultz’s first period goal was her third of the season and her career. All three of her goals this season have been on power plays.
-Schultz’s goal was Union’s 19th point this year in 10 games. Last season, the Dutchwomen didn’t earn their 19th goal until the 19th game of the 2016-17 season.
-Markovic’s goal was also her third of the season and career.
-McLaren had an assist on Schultz’s goal. Over the last two season, 13 of McLaren’s 15 points have been on power plays.
