Box Score

STORRS, Conn. - Backed by a 20-save shutout performance from rookie Kelly O'Brien and senior captain Alisa Harrison's game-winning goal with nine seconds left in the game, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's hockey team defeated the University of Connecticut, 1-0 at Freitas Arena.  It marks the first win of the season for the Engineers, who are now 1-0-1.  The Huskies slip to 0-1-1 on the young season.

After two scoreless periods, Rensselaer finally got the game's lone goal near the end of regulation as Harrison collected a pass from sophomore Andie Le Donne (Toronto, ON/Durham Jr. Lightning) in the neutral zone and barrelled into the UConn zone.  Skating toward the top of the far circle, Harrison rocketed a slapshot on one leg that blew past Huskies netminder Nicole Paniccia at 19:51.

O'Brien (Madison, WI/Madison Capitals) was stellar for the Engineers in her first career start, stopping five shots in the first period, nine in the second and six in the final stanza.  Her counterpart, Paniccia had 18 saves for the Huskies.

Rensselaer returns to action next weekend as it travels to Vermont for a two-game set against the Catamounts.  Game one is set for Friday at 7pm.  Connecticut is also in action next weekend with a pair of games at St. Lawrence beginning on Saturday at 1pm.