Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Robert Morris University women's hockey team edged College Hockey America opponent Penn State in shots, but fell short of quality scoring chances as the Colonials dropped a 5-1 decision to the Nittany Lions Saturday evening at 84 Lumber Arena.
 
The Colonials (7-5-2, 3-2-1 CHA) took 37 shots compared to the Nittany Lions' (4-7-3, 1-2-3) 22, but were only able to convert on one, a power-play tally from junior defenseman Mikaela Lowater, in the second period. Senior Ashley Vesci and junior Rikki Meilleur were credited with the assists. Penn State's Micayla Catanzariti recorded a hat trick and finished +4 to help the visitors to victory.
 
Unlike last night's 2-2 tie, it was Penn State that struck first in today's contest and amassed a sizeable three-goal lead through 33:50 of action. Robert Morris tried its hand at swinging the momentum late in the second period when Lowater received a deceptive pass from Vesci, which threw off the PSU defense and left Lowater plenty of time to wind up and send a one timer five-hole on Penn State netminder Celine Whitlinger, but the Nittany Lions goalie stood tall through the remainder of the game and made 36 saves on the night to help her squad to victory.
 
Penn State sealed the victory with two goals in the third period, including an empty-netter from Catanzariti, which earned her the hat trick and secured the Nittany Lions first CHA win of the season.
 
The Nittany Lions made it difficult for the Colonials to put quality shots on net, as PSU posted 13 blocked shots on the evening.
 
The Colonials take a break from competition next week and return to 84 Lumber Arena on Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:05 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 28 at 3:05 p.m. to host Maine. Saturday's game is the first of a double-header with the Robert Morris University men's hockey team who welcomes Sacred Heart to the Island Sports Center.
 
 
Hot Streaks
Junior Mikaela Lowater extended her current point streak to four games, and has posted three goals and two assists in her last four appearances. She rounds out the top 10 nationally ranked defensemen in points per game (0.93; 6-7-13).
 
 
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