TROY, N.Y. –
Linn Mattsson scored early in the second period to pull the RPI women's hockey team within one, but Maine protected its narrow advantage before adding a late empty-net goal to earn a 3-1 victory over the Engineers this afternoon at Houston Field House.
Maine opened the scoring just over three minutes into the contest when Kendall Sundby found the back of the net unassisted.
Reese Keating helped keep RPI within one through much of the opening period, including five saves during Maine's lone power-play opportunity, before Mackenzie Podewell extended the visitors' advantage in the closing minute of the frame.
The Engineers answered quickly in the second period.
Chloe Obser generated an early chance before Mattsson finished a setup from
Brianna Livingstone to cut the deficit to 2-1. The tally marked Mattsson's second goal of the season.
RPI continued to pressure Maine throughout the middle frame, putting nine shots on goal while holding the Black Bears scoreless.
Kendal Davidson,
Kaylynn Fisher,
Barbora Cerna-Proskova, and
Georgia Bailey were among those who tested Maine during the period, while Keating stopped all seven shots she faced to keep the Engineers within one entering the third.
The Engineers received another opportunity to draw even on a third-period power play, with
Juliette Thibault and
Gracyn Mackay each putting shots on goal during the advantage. RPI remained within a goal into the closing minute before pulling Keating for an extra attacker, but Mikayla Boarder scored into the empty net to account for the final margin.
Keating finished with 29 saves, including 13 in the opening period and nine in the third. Davidson and Obser led RPI with three shots on goal apiece, while
Georgia Bailey won a team-high 13 faceoffs and Mattsson added nine victories at the dot.
