RYE, N.Y. – Freshman goaltender Rose Pijaca (Worcester, Mass./Worcester Academy) wrote her name in the record books, recording the third most saves in a single game with 44, but her efforts were spoiled by a third period comeback by Williams as the Valiants dropped the non-conference matchup 2-1.
The Valiants (5-9 overall) recorded a rare power-play goal against the Ephs, (9-5 overall) who ranked number one in the nation among Division III teams, killing off 98 percent of opponent power plays before tonight. Freshman Jordan Roetzer (Buffalo, N.Y./Niagara Junior Purple Eagles) scored her fourth goal of the season, deflecting in shot from the point by sophomore Kristi Peters (Newport Beach, CA/Corona del Mar).
Pijaca was impressive all night, making 17 saves in the opening period, and an additional 12 in the second when the Valiants struggled to break through the solid Eph defense, registering just four shots on goal on the opposite end.
The Williams attack finally broke through early in the third period, scoring just over a minute into the period, putting home a rebound with traffic in front of the net to even the score. Midway through the period the Ephs would take the lead, again putting a rebound in the back of the net.
The Valiants were unable to break through the third best scoring defense in the country in the final ten minutes and fell in one of their final non-conference matchups of the season.
Pijaca’s 44 saves were the most by a Valiant goaltender since 2000, surpassing the previous third place mark set by Karine Turmel against New England on February 1, 2008.
Playland Ice Casino have not been so friendly to the Valiant hockey teams as of late, as the women have dropped their last two contests at home after starting the year 3-0 on the home ice. The Valiants will have to get back on the winning track at home if they want to make a push for the postseason, as seven of their final eleven games will be played at Playland.
The Valiants will travel to New Hampshire this weekend to take on Plymouth State and New England College Friday and Saturday in two key New England Hockey Conference matchups.
