Victory tasted even sweeter for the Huskies as they came out on top for a third time this season over the Merrimack Warriors.
In a thrilling 5-1 win, the no. 11 Huskies made the Merrimack ice their own as they made quick work of their victory.
From the Huskies’ end, they played an exceptionally clean game, whereas the Warriors penalties allowed UConn to capitalize on the power plays.
Merrimack and UConn appeared to be on an even playing field at the start of the first as they matched each other’s shots on goal. Veteran goaltender Tia Chan defended the net with ease as she saved 23 shots throughout the game. Chan is maintaining a .946 save percentage this season and has been a reliable force in the net, with few shots getting past her.
The first power play came just six minutes into the first with an interference call on the Warriors. The Huskies have grown accustomed to taking advantage of the power plays, and this contest was no different. With ease, sophomore Christina Walker found the back of the net on an assist from Ainsley Svetek and Coryn Tormala.
With just a one-point advantage, the Huskies were quick to defend Chan in the net as Merrimack attempted 11 more shots on goal before the period was up.
The trend continued in the second period as the Warriors received their second interference penalty three minutes into gameplay. This time, UConn’s Kathryn Stockdale set the puck flying past the Merrimack goaltender to push UConn into a more comfortable two-point advantage.
Despite UConn having a more comfortable lead, the duo kept the energy up as 10 shots were fired off from the Huskies, and eight were sent from Merrimack. Just before the second period closed out, the Warriors got their name on the board as they nailed the puck past Chan.
With a 2-1 advantage heading into the final period, the Huskies needed to grow their lead.
In the first 10 minutes alone, the Huskies largely outshot the Warriors 14-4. They kept the momentum going as Svetek sailed the puck past the Merrimack defense for a 3-1 UConn lead.
From there, the Huskies had the win in the palm of their hands. Just a minute later, sophomore Megan Woodworth got her fifth goal of the season and carried the team into a dominant 4-1 advantage.
While Merrimack responded with three unsuccessful shots, UConn sealed the deal with a dynamic shot by Brooke Campbell to pick up the fifth of the game. With a final score of 5-1, the Huskies closed out this season’s three-game series with Merrimack in a victory sweep.
After a triumphant win in North Andover, the Huskies continued north to Burlington to take on UVM.
In a 3-0 shutout, the No. 7 Catamounts upset the Huskies and handed them their first conference loss since October.
The Catamount offense came out blazing, and although UConn outshot Vermont 10-7 early on, the first goal came just nine minutes into the first period from Vermont. Despite the Huskies’ intensity, another Vermont goal came just minutes later to knock the scoreboard 2-0.
The Huskies were forced to play catchup in a drastic change from the previous day’s contest.
Despite outshooting the Catamounts in the second, the Huskies could not capitalize on the powerplay that came 10 minutes into the period. Although they could keep any Vermont advances out of the net, UConn could not fire off a shot themselves.
Unfortunately for the Huskies, the third period did not produce a desirable outcome, as they could not find a way past the Vermont goaltender. Although UConn put up a sincere fight, the Catamounts finalized their win with a third goal.
In the face of defeat, the Huskies were able to maintain their composure and keep their heads up to close out the contest. Despite the loss, the Huskies battled out a clean game and played as a united force on the ice.
Looking ahead, the Huskies will travel to Boston for the final time this season to take on the No. 3 seed in Hockey East, Boston University in a two-game series. Friday’s matchup will be on the road, but Saturday’s game will feature the Terriers at Toscano.
Puck drop on Friday is scheduled for 6 p.m., while Saturday is scheduled for 3 p.m.