Final Score: Connecticut 3, Vermont 2
STORRS, Conn. –
Justine Fredette picked up two goals and an assist to lead Connecticut to a 3-2 Hockey East win over Vermont Friday night at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum. RELATED LINKS
Box Score
The Huskies opened the scoring 46 seconds into the game as Theresa Knutson collected her second goal of the season to give Connecticut an early advantage. Leah Lum and Fredette earned assists on Knutson's tally. It was the fifth time this season the Huskies have scored first.
At the 5:31 mark of the first period the Huskies extended their lead to two with another even strength tally this time from Fredette. Fredette's second goal of the season was assisted by Knutson. With the assist Knutson had her second career multi-point game.
Vermont struck back with a power play goal on the first called penalty of the game. With Knutson in box for checking
Victoria Andreakos scored her second goal of the season at the 12:28 mark to cut the Huskies advantage in half.
Mackenzie MacNeil and
Taylor Willard earned assists on the Catamounts sixth power play goal in the last four games.
After outshooting the Huskies 8-2 in the second period but not equalizing Connecticut reestablished their two-goal lead with a tally 1:27 into the third period. Fredette's eventual game-winner was assisted by Zacharias and Knutson. It was the first career game-winning goal for the sophomore forward.
Vermont answered right back with its own even strength goal 45 seconds after the Huskies third goal. Co-Captain
Sarah Kelly scored her first goal of the season 2:12 into the third to once again cut the Catamounts deficit to one.
Saana Valkama and
Sammy Kolowrat assisted on the Kelly goal.
Annie Belanger made six of her 18 saves in the third period to earn her third win of the season. Belanger is now 2-0-0 against Vermont in her career.
Madison Litchfield made 14 saves in net for Vermont.
"I can't say anything but that we played well enough to win," said head coach
Jim Plumer. "And it's the fate of the hockey gods that sometimes it doesn't happen. I'm proud of the way we battled."
The Catamounts return to action tomorrow afternoon as they travel to face No. 5 Northeastern at historic Matthews Arena. Faceoff is set for 2:30 p.m. in the first matchup of the season between the two teams. Fans can watch a free live stream at GoNU.com.
