Union EarnsTie

Despite a lively, four-goal second period, the Union College women’s ice hockey team earned their third tie of the season with a 2-2 final against the University of Connecticut at the Freitas Ice Forum on Tuesday night. The Huskies record moved to 3-13-6 overall, while the Dutchwomen left with a 3-16-3 record.

After a scoreless first period, that featured Union outshooting Connecticut 13-4, the second period looked like a completely different game. Each team scored twice and the Huskies held a 13-11 advantage in shots on goal.

Freshman Emily Snodgrass started the scoring for UConn with her sixth goal of the season just 37 seconds into the period. Sophomore Jocelyn Slattery brought the puck up the left wing and centered to Snodgrass in the slot for a one-timer into the net. The Dutchwomen tied the game up in the fifth minute when junior Jeannie Sabourin entered the offensive zone alone and beat Husky sophomore goaltender Nicole Paniccia to the stick-side.

Connecticut regained the lead at the 9:17 mark when sophomore Alexandra Vakos found the back of the net. Junior Maude Blain started the play from the backboards with a pass to junior defenseman Casey Knajdek. Knajdek blasted a shot on goal that was saved and Vakos picked up the rebound and placed the puck past Union senior goaltender Kate Gallagher. Just over two minutes later, the Dutchwomen erased their second deficit of the period. This time, junior Rhianna Kurio, assisted by Sabourin, lit the lamp with the equalizing score.

Neither team could put one in the net in the third period. UConn successfully killed off three Union power plays in the period. Overall, the Husky penalty kill went five-for-five and has killed off 27 of the last 28 opponent power plays.

In the overtime period, Connecticut held a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal, while Union had an overall advantage of 36-30.

For the game, Paniccia surpassed 30 saves for the second straight game as she stopped 34 shots. In net for the Dutchwomen, Gallagher provided 28 saves. In Union's last 10 games, five have gone into overtime with four being backstopped by the senior netminder.

After playing their final non-conference game of the season, Union is set to travel to ECAC foes Harvard and Dartmouth this weekend. The Dutchwomen face the Crimson on Friday, January 13th, at 7:00 p.m. and battle the Big Green on Saturday, January 14th, at 4:00 p.m.