Oct. 21, 2006

Final Stats

Schenectady, NY - Three different Union players scored goals as the Dutchwomen held off a Pioneer comeback, handing Sacred Heart a 3-2 loss in non-conference action at Messa Rink Friday evening.

Union College rookie Brenna Malnar put the Dutchwomen on the board at 6:43 of the opening period with her first career tally. Dale Chaput drew the faceoff, then passed across the slot to Malnar, who redirected the puck under the leg of Sacred Heart goaltender Stephanie Boulay (Anchorage, AK).

Senior captain Kelly Lannan gave the Dutchwomen a 2-0 lead midway through the second period as she one-timed a pass from Suzy Pocock past Boulay.

Union outshot Sacred Heart 26-11 through the first two periods and put six shots on net during four power-play opportunities in the second, but couldn't slide one by Boulay.

The Pioneers powered out of the locker room to start the third period as Gina Arnone (Bridgewater, NJ) found a loose puck in front of the net and slipped it past Union goaltender Alex Zirbel at 4:42.

Union again took a two-goal lead less than four minutes later as Amanda Rucinski tipped in a Meaghan O'Connor blast from the point. The goal marked the first of Rucinski's collegiate career.

Arnone struck again at 11:26 of the third on a penalty shot awarded due to a Union player covering the puck in the crease. Arnone took her time bringing up the puck and flipped a backhanded shot over Zirbel's left shoulder to cut Union's lead to 3-2.

The Pioneers had several chances in the third to even the score, as they outshot the Dutchwomen 12-10 in the final stanza. An ice-length pass from Devon Gaslin (Augusta, ME) to Arnone, who was waiting at the blueline, threatened to knot the game, but Zirbel quickly poked away the puck, denying Arnone the hat trick.

Zirbel made 21 saves in her first win of the season, while Boulay made 33 for the Pioneers.

The Dutchwomen and Pioneers face-off again Saturday afternoon at Messa Rink. Game time is 2:00 pm.