SCHENECTADY, N.Y – Two goals in the first period set the Union women’s hockey team back as they fell 4-0 to #7 Clarkson Saturday afternoon at Messa Rink.
In the first 12 minutes of play, the Golden Knights recorded six shots on goal to Union’s one and held a five to four advantage in face offs. However, Union responded with strong defensive play, as sophomore goaltender Monja Wagner made key saves and the team blocked six shots.
Despite Union efforts, the Golden Knights were able to net the first goal of the game with a second left on their power play when a shot from Sidney Fess deflected off of a Union defender and into the net.
Clarkson scored their second goal of the game 15 seconds later. After receiving a pass forward from Madison Chandler, Caroline Goffredo skated in and deked Union’s goaltender and planted the puck into the left side of the net.
Union held off the Golden Knights for the remainder of the period, dominating the face off circles with a seven to three advantage. Wagner made nine additional saves, while the Garnet Chargers blocked four shots, and killed off a penalty.
In the second period, Union began to find their spark, with both teams recording seven shots a piece. Face offs were nearly even, with Clarkson holding a seven to six edge. Offensively, Union had two power play opportunities but were unable to capitalize, while defensively, the Garnet Chargers blocked four shots and successfully killed off a penalty.
In the final frame of action, the Golden Knights held a 11 to six shot count, including registering four shots in the opening 1:30 of the period but Wagner held strong to keep Clarkson at bay.
Three minutes into the period, the Garnet Chargers had an early power play opportunity shortly followed by an excellent three on two opportunity but did not convert.
For the next seven minutes of action, defensively, the Garnet Chargers blocked four shots. Offensively, Union had an additional power play opportunity and two shots on net but could not capitalize on their chances.
Clarkson was able to sneak one home on the power play. After receiving a pass from Fess, Goffredo fired a shot from the top of the slot through traffic into the back of the net.
The Golden Knights netted their final goal of the game two minutes later. Sena Catterall also fired a shot from the top of the slot into the back of the net to solidify the 4-0 victory.
Wagner made 31 saves and the game marked her fourth start of the season.
Union is back in action next weekend they travel to New Hampshire to face the Dartmouth College Big Green and Massachusetts to take on the Harvard Crimson. Puck drop is set for 6:00 pm on Friday and 3:00 pm on Saturday afternoon.
