TROY, N.Y. –
Georgia Bailey scored in the third period and
Sadie Bellissimo turned aside 33 shots, but the RPI women's hockey team fell to No. 5 Quinnipiac, 3-1, this afternoon at Houston Field House.
The Engineers and Bobcats played through a scoreless opening period, with Bellissimo stopping all 10 shots she faced. RPI generated several early opportunities of its own, highlighted by a
Mia Montanari attempt that struck the pipe midway through the frame, while the Engineers successfully killed off a pair of Quinnipiac power plays.
Quinnipiac broke the tie early in the second period when Avery Bairos finished a setup from Kahlen Lamarche and Rosalie Breton. RPI continued to create chances throughout the frame, including a power-play opportunity midway through the period, but Bellissimo and the Engineers entered the third trailing 1-0.
The Bobcats extended their advantage early in the third on a goal from Ella Johnson before Taylor Brueske added a power-play tally to make it 3-0. RPI responded later in the period when Bailey found the back of the net off assists from
Gracyn Mackay and
Chloe Obser, cutting the deficit to 3-1 with her third goal of the season.
Bellissimo kept the Engineers within striking distance down the stretch, finishing with 33 saves, including 14 in the third period. Montanari and
Keira Johnson led RPI with three shots on goal apiece, while the Engineers blocked 22 Quinnipiac attempts, led by five from
Juliette Thibault and three from Mackay.
