Box Score

Syracuse, N.Y. – Junior forward Rebecca Vint (Caldeon, Ontario / Brampton Junior Thunder) scored on a breakaway with 1:13 remaining in the game to give the Robert Morris University women's hockey team a 2-1 victory over Syracuse in College Hockey America (CHA) play this afternoon.

Robert Morris (12-3-1, 6-1-1 CHA) outshot Syracuse (6-6-2, 2-2-2 CHA), 28-18, and held one of the nation's best power play units scoreless in six attempts. The Colonials moved to 7-0-0 on Saturdays this season and won their first game when trailing at some point in the contest.

Today's game featured another scoreless first period, but both teams had their opportunities. Freshman forward Brittany Howard (St. Thomas, Ontario / Burlington Jr. Barracudas) found herself alone with the puck a little more than four minutes in, but was stoned on the breakaway attempt by Orange goaltender Kallie Billadeau. RMU then had a two-on-one chance in their offensive zone, but that was pushed away as well.

On the other side, Syracuse compiled three power play chances after penalties on junior forwards Katie Fergus (Oakville, Ontario / Burlington Jr. Barracudas) and Katelyn Scott (Brighton, Mich. / Belle Tire) and senior captain Kristen Richards (Toronto, Ontario / Niagara University). However, the Orange couldn't capitalize.

Just like yesterday, Syracuse would score the game's first goal –and their lone goal of the contest – in the second period. Nicole Ferrara gathered a pass from Jessica Sibley and carried it to the right crease. The Orange forward let loose a shot that looked to be stopped by freshman goaltender Jessica Dodds (London, Ontario / London Jr. Devilettes), but the puck trickled off her padding and across the line for Ferrara's second goal of the series.

It only took the Colonials 28 seconds to tie it up. Vint passed the puck to Howard after winning the face-off, and the freshman found senior assistant captain Thea Imbrogno (Etobicoke, Ontario / Mississauga Jr. Chiefs). Imbrogno rifled a shot past Billadeau for her sixth goal of the season.

Syracuse threatened first in the final frame following a RMU power play. Melissa Piacentini and Larissa Martyniuk each fired shots, but they were blocked up front by Vint and senior assistant captain Brandi Pollock (Virden, Manitoba / Westman Wildcats). The Colonials countered with shots from Imbrogno and fellow senior Kylie St. Louis (Windsor, Ontario / Southwest Wildcats), but both found padding.

RMU went on the power play with less than 12 minutes remaining, but came up empty despite some chances from Richards and classmate Anneline Lauziere (St. Thomas, Ontario / London Jr. Devilettes).

With four and a half minutes remaining, the Orange picked up their sixth power play chance as Imbrogno sat in the penalty box for slashing. Dodds and the Colonial defense seized the moment and kept Syracuse from taking the lead, as the freshman netminder made three saves on the penalty kill.
 
RMU took advantage of that stop a little more than a minute after Imbrogno returned to the ice. Fergus forced a turnover along the boards and saw Vint skating up the middle. Vint corralled the pass at the blue line and skated alone toward Billadeau, firing it past the Orange goaltender for her eighth goal of the season.

Head coach Paul Colontino called timeout after Vint's goal in hopes of preparing the team for the final minute of play. The Colonials didn't disappoint, as they didn't allow a shot despite Billadeau pulled for an extra skater.

Dodds (9-0-1) stayed unbeaten in her career, as she made 17 saves on the afternoon.

Vint's assist on Imbrogno's goal in the second period gave her the 44^th helper of her career, moving the junior forward into sole possession of fourth place in the RMU record books for career assists.

With the win, the Colonials set a new record for most victories (12) in their first 16 games. The previous record was set by the 2011-12 CHA Championship team, who went 11-3-2 to start the year.

Robert Morris finishes up their three-game road trip this coming Tuesday, as they travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on Ohio State. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. from OSU Ice Rink.