TROY, N.Y. – The RPI women's hockey team struck first behind an early goal from
Georgia Bailey and received a 23-save effort from
Sadie Bellissimo, but Robert Morris scored twice in the second period to earn a 2-1 victory over the Engineers this afternoon at Houston Field House.
RPI opened the scoring less than four minutes into the contest when Bailey found the back of the net off assists from
Keira Johnson and
Kami O'Brien. The tally gave the Engineers the early advantage, which they carried through the remainder of the opening period as Bellissimo stopped all five shots she faced.
Robert Morris pulled even early in the second period when Alaina Giampietro finished a setup from Jessica MacKinnon and Shayne Desjardins. RPI received its first power-play opportunity shortly thereafter and generated a chance from
Alexis Brunet, but the Colonials kept the game tied.
The visitors moved in front later in the period when Greta Brezenski scored off assists from Giampietro and MacKinnon, giving Robert Morris a 2-1 advantage entering the final frame. Bellissimo kept the Engineers within one by turning aside eight shots during the second period.
RPI continued to search for the equalizer throughout the third, while Bellissimo and the Engineers successfully killed off another Robert Morris power play. RPI pulled Bellissimo for an extra attacker with just over two minutes remaining and created late opportunities from
Mia Montanari and Johnson, but Robert Morris held on for the one-goal decision.
Bellissimo finished with 23 saves, including 10 in the third period.
Megan Meola led RPI with four shots on goal, while Bailey and
Kaylynn Fisher registered two apiece.
Alexis Brunet won eight faceoffs for the Engineers, with
Michaela Littlewood adding five victories at the dot.
