TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's hockey team struck in the first period but was unable to sustain its early momentum, falling to #10 Clarkson University in front of a record-setting crowd this afternoon in Houston Field House.

The Engineers delivered an energetic opening frame in front over 1,600 fans, the most ever at a home RPI women's ice hockey game. The first period was highlighted by a solo effort from Nina Christof, who scored unassisted at 19:05 to even the game at 1–1 late in the first.

RPI generated early offensive pressure with attempts from Kendal Davidson and Naomi Forand, and the Engineers controlled several faceoff sequences behind strong play from Sabrina Beaudoin and Georgia Bailey. Beaudoin led all players in the circle with 14 wins, while Bailey added 12.

Aylah Cioffi and Gracyn Mackay led the Engineers with three blocks on the defensive end. Sophia Jones got in the way of two shots and added a pair of zone clears on the penalty kill, while Christof and Chloe Obser blocked two shots apiece as well.

Maelee Ambrass turned aside a career-best 45 shots in goal for RPI, including several key saves early in the third period. Clarkson pulled away with two goals in the second period, one at even strength and one on the power play, before adding four more in the final frame to secure the victory.

RPI is slated to next challenge Princeton on the road at 3:00 pm on Friday.