Pittsburgh, Pa. – The
Robert Morris University women's hockey team dropped its non-conference finale this afternoon from 84 Lumber Arena, falling to No. 4 Quinnipiac University, 3-0.
Robert Morris (6-14-3, 3-5-2 CHA) was swept in a two-game series for the fourth time this season, while Quinnipiac (20-1-3, 11-1-2 ECAC) earned its nation-leading 12th shutout of 2014-15.
The Colonials were outshot in a quick opening period, 13-7, but had the more dangerous chances. Early in the frame, sophomore forward
Rikki Meilleur skated alongside senior forward
Katie Fergus as a two-on-one opportunity open up. Meilleur ripped a shot from the right face-off circle, but Bobcats goaltender Chelsea Laden was there to make the save.
RMU created an even better opportunity late in the stanza. Senior captain
Rebecca Vint gathered a pass from junior assistant captain
Ashley Vesci near the boards, skating through the neutral zone and into the Quinnipiac defense. A good-looking toe drag freed some space for the forward, but her wrist shot was tipped over the net by Laden.
The game's first power play came in the second period, with the Colonials being the beneficiaries of the man advantage. However, Vint and fellow senior
Maddie Collias saw their chances near the cage stopped by the Bobcats netminder.
Quinnipiac broke the scoreless tie 11 minutes into the middle frame as T.T. Cianfarano ripped a wrist shot from the doorstep. The Bobcats would add a second goal five and a half minutes later courtesy of Nicole Kosta.
Vint and Collias provided another prime opportunity for RMU midway through the third period, but after gathering a pass from the Roseville, Mich. native, the captain saw her backhand attempt tipped away by Laden.
The Quinnipiac lead stretched to 3-0 soon after as Emma Woods banged home a rebound on the power play.
The Colonials tested the Bobcats netminder once more on the power play, but a few swats at a loose puck in the crease proved to be unsuccessful.
Sophomore goaltender
Jessica Dodds made 26 saves in the loss.
RMU blocked 20 shots on the afternoon, with a team-high three coming from both Vesci and classmate
Megan Eady.
Robert Morris continues its six-game homestand next weekend as it returns to College Hockey America (CHA) play to take on Lindenwood. The series is a part of CHA's "Skate for the Cure" weekend in which the members of the conference dedicate one or two home games to raising funds and awareness for a local charity or research organization of their choice. Friday's contest between the Colonials and Lions is set for a 7:05 p.m. opening face-off from 84 Lumber Arena.
