WORCESTER, Mass. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's hockey team mounted a strong third-period rally but came up just short in a 2–1 setback against Holy Cross tonight at the Hart Center.

After a scoreless first period, the Crusaders capitalized on a power play early in the second when Lulu Rourke found the back of the net at the 1:00 mark. Holy Cross extended its lead midway through the third on an even-strength tally by Manny Gendron, who scored what would stand as the game-winning goal.

The Engineers continued to push and were rewarded at 16:10 of the third period when Charlotte Wensley buried her team-leading third goal of the season to cut the deficit in half. Wensley's marker, assisted by Kyley Toye and Naomi Forand, highlighted a late surge that saw RPI generate sustained offensive zone time. Wensley's tally capped a night in which she and her linemates created several high-danger opportunities against Holy Cross goaltender Abby Hornung, who finished with 12 saves.

In the faceoff circle, Georgia Bailey dominated with a game-high 11 wins on 13 draws, while Sabrina Beaudoin added nine faceoff victories. On the back end, Nina Christof led RPI with three shots and two blocked attempts, and Forand and Toye contributed defensively while helping set up the Engineers' lone goal.

Reese Keating was strong between the pipes with 27 saves for RPI, including 16 in the second period alone to keep the Engineers within striking distance. RPI outperformed Holy Cross in the faceoff department, winning 26 of 44 draws, and the Engineers generated two power-play chances in the third period but were unable to convert.

The two sides will finish the weekend series with a 6:00 pm puck drop tomorrow in Worcester.