A doubleheader between Vermont women’s ice hockey and Franklin Pierce University this weekend peaked and plateaued for the Cats, doling out wins to both teams.
Despite having over 40 shots on goal each game — more than double the Raven’s total all weekend — Vermont missed out on a clean sweep, winning 3-0 on Friday but losing 3-1 Saturday.
How the Cats fare in Hockey East is yet to be seen this season, but Vermont’s 3-4-1 overall record puts them in the middle of the pack among coming conference opponents.
Vermont managed 42 shots on goal to the Ravens’ five on Friday, making for a quiet night around redshirt junior goaltender Ellie Simmons’ crease, who earned her first shutout of the season.
Sophomore forward Oona Havana opened the scoring Friday, halfway through the second period, followed by redshirt sophomore defender Josie Hemp’s goal for a 2-0 lead minutes later.
Winning the puck in 59.5% faceoffs kept the Cats in control and going toward goal. An empty-net tally against Franklin Pierce from junior forward Kaylee Lewis sealed the score in the final minute of regulation.
Despite sending 48 pucks at the Raven’s goal the next night, Vermont fell short, a stark difference within 24 hours.
Franklin Pierce took the ice with a vengeance after the first break on Saturday, pocketing two goals in the first four minutes of the second period. Junior defender Brook George responded within 20 seconds, providing the Cats’ only goal of the game.
Despite five power play chances, Vermont couldn’t make up ground. The Cats fell further from a comeback after a third Franklin Pierce goal late in the second period, setting the final at 3-1.
Tensions were apparent in the physicality of the teams’ second meeting. A total of nine penalties assessed to each team.
On Vermont’s side, Lewis was called for bodychecking in the first period, and junior forward Morgann Skoda for roughing early in the third. Slashing and cross-checking brought consequences for the Ravens as well.
There were no post-game press conferences during the series.
The Cats’ next game stays at home on Oct. 31 for a doubleheader against Boston College — Vermont’s first games against a Hockey East challenger this season.
