Box Score

Erie, Pa. – In a season that has seen numerous records fall, the Robert Morris University women's hockey team set a new standard in its 3-1 victory over in-state rival Mercyhurst this evening.

The win gives No. 8/7 Robert Morris (20-3-2, 9-1-1 CHA) its 20^th victory of the season – breaking the program record of 19 set by the 2011-12 CHA Championship team – and extends the nation's best unbeaten streak to 14 games. Mercyhurst (14-7-3, 7-3-1 CHA) falls four points behind the Colonials in the conference standings.

For the third-straight game, RMU played a scoreless first period. Both the Colonials and the Lakers failed to capitalize on two power play opportunities, while freshman goaltender Jessica Dodds (London, Ontario / London Jr. Devilettes) helped keep Mercyhurst off the board with 12 saves.

The RMU offense once again exploded in the second period, looking similar to its 5-1 victory at No. 10 Quinnipiac last weekend. Less than three minutes into the frame, the Colonials turned up the pressure in their offensive zone. Freshman forward Maeve Garvey (Oakville, Ontario / Burlington Jr. Barracudas) fired a shot from the left face-off circle that was saved by Laker goaltender Julia DiTondo, but the rebound trickled to Garvey's classmate Mackenzie Johnston (Barrie, Ontario / Etobicoke Dolphins), who then buried the puck past DiTondo for her second goal of the season.

With 12:45 left in the period, sophomore forward Ashley Vesci (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Lawrence Academy [Mass.]) was sent to the penalty box for checking. However, junior forward Rebecca Vint (Caledon, Ontario / Brampton Junior Thunder) picked up her second short-handed goal in as many games after senior assistant captain Thea Imbrogno (Etobicoke, Ontario / Mississauga Jr. Chiefs) found her fellow 100-point club member skating alone on a breakaway.

The Colonials made it 3-0 with six minutes left in the second frame. A turnover in the Mercyhurst defensive zone created a scrum in front of DiTondo, with the puck making its way junior forward Maddie Collias (Roseville, Mich. / Belle Tire). Collias then found Johnston, who batted it in for her second goal of the contest and the first multi-goal effort of her career.

Nursing a 3-0 lead, RMU faced a crucial penalty kill with Vint and senior captain Kristen Richards (Toronto, Ontario / Niagara University) in the box for respective tripping and checking calls. The Colonials stood tall and allowed just three shots on goal during the 5-on-3, with senior assistant captain Brandi Pollock (Virden, Manitoba / Westman Wildcats) sacrificing her body to block two shots during the important kill.

Freshman forward Brittany Howard (St. Thomas, Ontario / Burlington Jr. Barracudas) was booked for holding with 2:12 left in regulation, giving the Lakers their seventh power play of the game. Mercyhurst pulled Amanda Makela – who came in for DiTondo after the third RMU goal – to give itself a 6-on-4, and with 1:30 remaining the Lakers spoiled Dodds' shutout attempt as Molly Byrne found the back of the net.

Despite the late goal, Dodds earned the 17^th win of her rookie campaign after making 22 saves.

Vint's short-handed goal was the 52^nd of her career and moved her into a tie with Sara O'Malley (2007-11) for second all-time in Colonial history. The junior forward is now one goal away from tying the program record, which is held by Brianna Delaney (2008-12).

Johnston becomes the sixth different RMU player to record a multi-goal game this season and the third rookie to accomplish the feat.

Robert Morris looks for the sweep tomorrow afternoon as they face Mercyhurst for the final time in the 2013-14 regular season. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. from Mercyhurst Ice Center.