TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's hockey team contended a ranked opponent for the second straight day, once again coming within a goal of overtime as the Engineers fell to the No. 9 Cornell Big Red by a 2-1 final score at the Houston Field House Saturday afternoon.
 
Both sides played to a scoreless tie after one period, and played a chunk of the second period without a score as RPI goaltender Amanda Rampado held down the fort with 14 saves before allowing a goal. The icebreaker came at the 8:32 mark of the second period, as Katie Chan scored on a dish from Izzy Daniel and Ashley Messier.
 
Cornell added to their lead in short handed fashion, as Daniel collected an unassisted short-handed goal to make it 2-0 Big Red at the 6:15 mark of the third. Daniel found space over the blocker of Rampado, putting the puck in the upper left corner of the net for the score.
 
RPI pulled Rampado with just over four minutes to play in the third, and were able to collect a tally at 16:55 thanks to a puback goal from Marah Wagner on the doorstep of the crease to make it a 2-1 game. Isabelle Hardy and Ellie Kaiser earned helpers on the play.
 
The Engineers continued to push, pulling Rampado once more looking for an equalizer. However, despite their best effort and some opportunities in the final minute, Cornell hung on for the win.
 
Rampado finished with 32 saves, while Cornell's Annelies Bergmann had 28 saves – including 14 in the third period alone.
 
RPI returns to action next Friday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. when they play host to the St. Lawrence Saints at Houston Field House.