Box Score

Pittsburgh, Pa. – After going 0-9 on the power play yesterday, the Robert Morris University (9-3-0 overall, 3-1-0 CHA) women's hockey team took advantage of their man-up opportunities in this afternoon's contest with No. 9 Mercyhurst (6-4-1 overall, 1-1-0 CHA), scoring on their first two power plays en route to a 3-2 win.

The Colonials washed the bad taste from yesterday's result out of their mouths very quickly, as they dominated the first period, outshooting the Lakers, 13-2.

It only took 1:14 for RMU to strike first. With Kathy Donohue in the penalty box for a high-sticking call, junior forward Katie Fergus (Oakville, Ontario / Burlington Jr. Barracudas) took advantage of the man advantage with her second goal of the season. Classmate Maddie Collias (Roseville, Mich. / Belle Tire) skated down the ice and found sophomore forward Ashley Vesci (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Lawrence Academy [Mass.]). Vesci centered a pass from the left boards, and it found Fergus's stick to make it 1-0.

Two minutes later, Molly Byrne went to the box for a checking call, giving the Colonials their second power play of the contest. The Lakers dumped the puck down the ice, where freshman goaltender Jessica Dodds (London, Ontario / London Jr. Devilettes) tipped it to senior defenseman Anneline Lauziere (St. Thomas, Ontario / London Jr. Devilettes), who then passed it to junior forward Rebecca Vint (Caldeon, Ontario / Brampton Junior Thunder) behind the net. Vint skated up the ice, deking every Mercyhurst defender in her way, before rifling off a shot that beat Lakers goaltender Amanda Makela.

With 3:15 remaining in the period, RMU would take a three-goal lead. Junior defenseman Kelsey Gunn (Smith Falls, Ontario / Niagara University) forced a turnover in the Lakers' defensive zone, then sniped one past Makela for her first goal of the season.

After the period, Mercyhurst switched goaltenders, as Makela left for Julia DiTondo.

The Lakers cut the lead to two early in the second period. Senior assistant captain Brandi Pollock (Virden, Manitoba / Westman Wildcats) was called for checking with 42 seconds remaining in the first period, and the Lakers took advantage of their first power play of the game as Kathy Donohue beat Dodds off passes from Kaleigh Chippy and Emily Janiga.

Mercyhurst had another power play opportunity with sophomore forward Anissa Gamble (Fredericton, New Brunswick / Burlington Jr. Barracudas) in the box for interference. RMU made it harder on themselves seconds into the penalty kill as senior assistant captain Thea Imbrogno (Etobicoke, Ontario / Mississauga Jr. Chiefs) broke her stick on the faceoff. Despite this, the Colonials blocked seven shots and Dodds only had to make one save before Gamble returned to the ice.

The Lakers ended up picking up their second goal less than three minutes into the final period. Emily Janiga, who scored last night, beat Dodds off passes from Chippy and Jaclyn Arbour.

That's all Mercyhurst could manage off Dodds and the RMU defense, as the freshman goaltender made 15 of her 25 saves in the last 20 minutes to win her seventh game of the season.

Robert Morris continues their College Hockey America (CHA) homestand next weekend, as they take on Lindenwood in a rematch of the CHA Quarterfinals from last season. Friday's contest is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m. from 84 Lumber Arena.