MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Backed by its top offensive line, the RMU women's hockey team earned a 3-2 victory over Delaware in the series opener Friday afternoon. The Colonials improved to 11-18-2 overall and 7-12-2 in Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) play.
 
FIRST PERIOD
The opening 20 minutes remained scoreless as neither side was able to break through, and no penalties were called.
 
RMU controlled play early, outshooting Delaware 13-4 in the first period. Morgan Giannone led the Colonials with three shots on goal.
 
SECOND PERIOD
The game opened up in the middle frame as Delaware struck first, with Francesca Barresi finding the back of the net.
 
RMU answered quickly, tying the game just 13 seconds later. After winning an offensive-zone faceoff, Giannone laid the puck off to Thali D'Elia, who found Emma Goding on the left side. Goding snapped a shot past the Delaware goaltender to even the score.
 
Shots were even at 12-12 in the second period, though RMU held a 27-14 edge in shot attempts.
 
THIRD PERIOD
RMU's offense took over in the final period, scoring two goals in quick succession.
 
The first came on a shot deflection from Jessica MacKinnon, with assists from Alaina Giampietro and Shayne Desjardins.
 
Moments later, Giannone capitalized at the front of the net, tapping in a rebound for her second point of the night. Mya Kearns and MacKinnon picked up the assists.
 
Delaware responded with a power-play goal from Tiana McIntyre, but the Colonials locked things down defensively the rest of the way to secure the 3-2 win.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• RMU outshot Delaware 43-22, with Giampietro and MacKinnon each recording six shots on goal.
• RMU's top line of Giannone, Giampietro and MacKinnon all finished with a +3 plus/minus rating.
• The Colonials won 28 of 43 faceoffs (65.1%). MacKinnon, the NCAA's faceoff leader, went 14-for-20 (70.0%).
• Defensemen Goding and Linnea Misner each blocked a team-high two shots.
• Delaware finished 1-for-2 on the power play and did not take a penalty.
• In goal, Maggie Hatch earned her ninth win of the season with 20 saves.

 
MULTIPOINT EFFORTS
Clarks Harbour, Nova Scotia native Jessica MacKinnon recorded one goal and one assist for her eighth multipoint game of the season. She now has 14 goals, 18 assists and 32 points, ranking fourth in the conference in points.
 
Oakville, Ontario native Morgan Giannone also posted a goal and an assist for her sixth multipoint performance of the season and 16th of her career. The senior now has 11 goals, 13 assists and 24 points on the year.
 
MILESTONE WATCH
Juniors Kaitlyn Schooley and Laura Eustace are set to play in their 100th career game tomorrow.
 
UP NEXT
RMU will look to complete the series sweep tomorrow against Delaware at Clearview Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 PM, with live coverage on FloHockey.
 
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