ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The RMU women's hockey team erased a two-goal deficit and completed the comeback in dramatic fashion, defeating Delaware, 3-2, in overtime Thursday afternoon in the opening round of the AHA Playoffs. Jessica MacKinnon netted the game-winner on the power play, sending the Colonials into the Quarterfinal Round.
 
With the win, No. 6 RMU advances to face No. 3 Lindenwood on Saturday in St. Charles.
 
FIRST PERIOD
Delaware struck first after earning an early power play opportunity. Just over two minutes into the contest, Kaitlin Finnegan capitalized to give the Blue Hens a 1-0 lead.
 
The Colonials generated chances to respond, including a shot from Laura Eustace that rang off the post, but were unable to convert. Despite trailing, RMU held a 10-7 edge in shots through the opening 20 minutes.
 
SECOND PERIOD
Delaware doubled its advantage quickly in the second period, as Francesca Barresi scored just 53 seconds in at even strength to make it 2-0.
 
RMU responded midway through the frame behind captain Alaina Giampietro. After her initial shot was stopped, Giampietro stayed with the play and buried her rebound to cut the deficit to 2-1. Morgan Giannone and Linnea Misner were credited with assists.
 
The Colonials controlled play throughout the remainder of the period, outshooting Delaware 15-7 and generating sustained offensive pressure, including 15 shot attempts over the final seven minutes.
 
THIRD PERIOD
RMU continued to press early in the third period, with Mary Snyder narrowly missing the equalizer after striking the post.
 
The breakthrough finally came with eight minutes remaining, when Morgan Giannone tied the game at 2-2. Following a strong individual effort, she fired a shot past the Delaware netminder. Shayne Desjardins and Kaitlyn Schooley assisted on the play.
 
Both teams continued to create opportunities, but neither could find the go-ahead goal, forcing overtime.
 
OVERTIME
Delaware generated early pressure in the extra frame, but momentum shifted when Ida Haave was assessed a five-minute major penalty, giving RMU an extended power play opportunity.
 
The Colonials capitalized just over a minute later. During a scramble in front of the net, Jessica MacKinnon forced the puck across the goal line for the game-winning goal, ending Delaware's season and sending RMU to the quarterfinals. Giampietro and Emma Goding recorded assists on the decisive play.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• RMU dominated offensively, outshooting Delaware 50-21. Taylor Storey led all players with nine shots on goal. The Colonials' 50 shots marked a season high and their most in a game since the 2021 season.
• Desjardins and Schooley each posted a +2 rating, while RMU controlled the faceoff circle, winning 30 of 46 draws (65.2%). MacKinnon led the effort with 17 faceoff wins, improving her season total beyond 500.
• Both teams finished 1-for-2 on the power play.
• In goal, Maggie Hatch earned her second career playoff victory, stopping 19 shots.

 
SEASON SWEEP
RMU completed a dominant season series against Delaware, finishing 5-0 and outscoring the Blue Hens 22-4 during the 2025-26 campaign.
 
MacKinnon led the Colonials with 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists) against Delaware, while Giannone recorded 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists). Giampietro added eight points (5 goals, 3 assists), and Schooley contributed five points (1 goal, 4 assists).
 
POINT STREAKS CONTINUE
Giampietro extended her point streak to five games with her goal, totaling five goals and eight points during that stretch. It marks the second longest streak of her career.
 
Giannone recorded her 18th career multi-point game and extended her career-best goal streak to five games. She has eight points in her last five contests.
 
Goding also extended her career-best point streak to five games and has totaled six points (3g-3a) during that span.
 
UP NEXT
The Colonials will face No. 3 Lindenwood in the AHA Quarterfinal Round on Saturday, February 21 at 11:45 AM ET in St. Charles, Mo. The game will stream live on FloHockey.
 
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