Troy, N.Y. – Three goals in the first period were all the Robert Morris University women's hockey team needed to hold off RPI in a 3-1 victory and complete the two-game series sweep on Saturday evening at the Houston Field House in Troy, N.Y.
 
Robert Morris (4-3-1) has now swept its second consecutive series, while RPI (2-4-0) has lost two of its last four.
 
It was a special day for the Colonials' special teams as Robert Morris netted two power-play goals in the first period to put pressure on the Engineers early. With the scored tied 1-1, three successive penalties called on the Engineers led to a lengthy 5-on-3 opportunity for the Colonials. After RPI cleared, RMU took its time moving the puck to their offensive zone with over a minute remaining on the two-man advantage. Their patience paid off as it led to a picture-perfect power-play goal from freshman Amber Rennie, her fifth goal of the year. Redshirt sophomore Brittany Howard passed to freshman Sarah Quaranta, who then spun with the puck right in front of the net and found Rennie where she buried the go-ahead goal.
 
With nine seconds remaining on the power play, freshman defenseman Kirsten Welsh took a slap shot up top and lifted the Colonials to a 3-1 lead.
 
Despite multiple power-play opportunities for both teams in the second and third periods, neither squad would score after the first. Robert Morris went 2-for-5 on the one-man advantage, while RPI failed to capitalize on any of its six power plays.
 
Both teams struck extremely early in the first period and converted on their respective first shots of the game. Just 25 seconds into the frame, the Engineers' Taylor Schwalbe tapped one in off a rebound to take a 1-0 lead, but junior Mackenzie Johnston evened the score on a one-timer, her second goal of the season and the weekend.
 
The team will enjoy a weekend free of competition before returning to 84 Lumber Arena for a two-game series against College Hockey America opponent Syracuse on Friday, Oct. 30 at 7:05 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 31 at 3:05 p.m to kick off conference action.
 
Quoting Head Coach Paul Colontino
On the keys to holding off RPI through periods two and three…
Just to keep doing what we were doing. We had some nice power-play goals and a nice 5-on-5 goal. We knew they were going to come back strong and we battled through some tough shifts and were still able to come out with the win.
 
On the strength of the penalty kill unit…
They work off each other very well. They're reading each other's movements extremely well, blocking shots and we're getting great saves on the penalty kill.
 
On staying sharp during the week off before conference play…
We know the home series will be huge. It's our first conference series so I know everyone will be excited. I think we have a really good grasp of just chipping away at the areas we want to get better at and the players have a really good mindset right now. They're bearing down at every practice and trying to get better every day.
 
 
Hot Streaks
Freshman Sarah Quaranta is now riding a four-game point and assist streak. Senior Ashley Vesci has now posted points in two consecutive games, and junior Mackenzie Johnston has scored two goals in her last two outings.
 
Killin' It
Robert Morris' penalty kill unit has now killed off 16 consecutive penalties.
 
Keep It Rolling
The Colonials are riding a four-game winning streak heading into a week off of competition before opening CHA action at home against Syracuse.
 
 
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