TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's ice hockey team restarted their season with gusto, as the Engineers used a three-goal second period to take a 5-1 win over the Vermont Catamounts at Houston Field House Friday afternoon. With the win, RPI improves their record to 8-11-3 overall, while Vermont fell to 9-9-1 overall.
 
After a scoreless opening period, Magdalena Erbenova gave RPI the lead at the 5:39 mark of the second. She connected on a puck from Marah Wagner, marking her first goal since Oct. 22, 2022.
 
However, the lead was short-lived as Vermont responded with a goal of their own at the 7:51 mark. Lara Beecher finished off a puck in close, tucking a puck under the left pad of RPI goaltender Amanda Rampado to even the score. Earning assists on the play were Kaylee Lewis and Bella Parento.
 
It was all Engineers from that point forward, as RPI scored four unanswered goals – including a pair before the end of the middle frame. Nyah Philip tipped home a shot from the blue line by Michelle Nutescu to break the tie and give RPI a 2-1 lead before Marah Wagner gave the Engineers their first multi-goal lead of the day with a tally late in the period.
 
Just over four minutes into the third period, Ellie Kaiser connected on a shot from the slot, beating Vermont goaltender Sydney Correa – who finished with 24 saves on the game - inside the left post to make it 4-1 RPI. Morgann Skoda put the punctuation on the afternoon, collecting a goal at the 16:22 mark to make it 5-1.
 
Erbenova and Wagner each collected a goal and assist, while freshman Taryn Rathwell finished with a pair of assists. Rampado finished the game with 29 saves in the win.
 
RPI returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 19 at 3 p.m. when they rematch with the Vermont Catamounts at Houston Field House.