SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's hockey team battled in a closely-contested matchup against the Union Garnet Chargers on Saturday night, with Union coming out with a 3-1 win at Messa Rink. With the loss, RPI falls to 7-11-3 overall and 2-10-0 in league play, while Union improves to 6-12-2 overall and 3-7-2 in ECAC Hockey.

Both sides played even through the first half of the opening period before Union broke through at the 10:09 mark thanks to a goal from Emma Fulawka. Meredith Killian and Stephanie Bourque each earned assists on the tally. Less than two minutes later, Celeste Beaudoin scored in unassisted fashion to give Union a 2-0 lead.

RPI responded late in the first period, as a shot from the right wing point from Andrea Trnkova was tipped in front of the net by Sabrina Beaudoin and into the net to cut the lead back to just one goal at the 14:28 mark. 

Both sides played scoreless through the second period and into the third, as RPI goaltender Amanda Rampado made key saves down the stretch to keep the Engineers within striking distance. That continued through the third, before Union added an empty net goal courtesy of Beaudoin again to claim the 3-1 win.

Rampado finished the game with 31 saves, while Union goaltender Sophie Matsoukas made 25 in the victory.

The Engineers return to action on Friday, Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. when they play host to the University of Vermont in the first of two matchups with the Catamounts at Houston Field House that weekend.