University of Connecticut’s women’s hockey team traveled to Princeton, N.J, to take on Princeton for a two-game series on Friday and Saturday. The Huskies fell 2-1 on Friday but battled back and forth with Princeton on Saturday, ultimately dropping a narrow 6-5 decision in overtime.
On Friday, the Huskies controlled much of the offensive pressure but struggled to capitalize on their chances. The Tigers opened scoring eight minutes into the first period with an even-strength goal to take an early 1-0 lead. UConn responded with consistent offensive pressure, generating several chances to even the score. Later in the period, the Huskies earned a power-play opportunity but were unable to convert. Despite outshooting Princeton 20-14, UConn entered the first intermission trailing by one goal.
UConn continued its offensive pressure into the second period, testing Princeton senior goaltender Uma Corniea with multiple shots. The Tigers shifted the momentum with five minutes remaining in the period, scoring on a power play to extend their lead 2-0. The Huskies continued to struggle on power plays, going 0-for-3 through the first two periods, while Princeton converted one of its two power-play opportunities in the second. Despite a narrow 17-16 advantage in shots, UConn entered the second intermission trailing 2-0.
The Huskies entered the third period looking to find the back of the net and capitalize on their continued offensive pressure. Both teams continued to play aggressively, with the Tigers earning a power play after UConn was called for tripping. Despite Princeton’s advantage, sophomore goaltender Taylor Belchetz made key saves to keep the Huskies within striking distance.
With less than two minutes remaining, UConn called a timeout and pulled Belchetz for an extra attacker. The move paid off as senior defenseman Maya Serdachny scored her first goal of the season, assisted by freshman forward Caileigh Tiller and junior forward Claire Murdoch, to cut Princeton’s lead to 2-1. UConn pulled its goalie again in a final push for the equalizer, generating several chances in the final minutes. However, the Huskies were unable to find the net again as Princeton held on for a 2-1 victory.
The weekend series continued Saturday, with the Huskies applying consistent offensive pressure. Tiller opened the scoring just five minutes into the game with her fourth goal of the season, extending her point streak to six games to begin her collegiate career.
Serdachny doubled UConn’s lead midway through the period with her second goal of the season, extending her scoring streak to three consecutive games. The Huskies controlled the opening period, outshooting Princeton 14-4.
The Tigers came into the second period with renewed energy, scoring twice on special teams within the first 15 minutes to tie the game and erase the Huskies’ two-goal advantage. Late in the period, UConn responded with increased offensive pressure. J
unior forward Ellie Markakis restored the Huskies’ lead with her second goal of the season, putting UConn ahead 3-2. In the final minutes, freshman forward Laure Aubin scored her first collegiate goal, extending UConn’s lead to 4-2.
Midway through the third period, Serdachny scored her second goal of the game, extending UConn’s lead to 5-2. The goal marked the first career multi-goal game of her career, as the Huskies appeared poised to close out the game with a win.
However, Princeton mounted a late comeback, scoring three goals in the final six minutes to tie the game 5-5 and force overtime.
In overtime, the Huskies took a costly penalty, giving Princeton a power-play opportunity. The Tigers capitalized on the advantage, scoring the game-winning goal with two minutes remaining to complete their comeback and secure a 6-5 victory.
Despite generating consistent offensive pressure throughout the two-game series, the Huskies struggled to capitalize on their opportunities in Friday’s loss before surrendering a three-goal lead in Saturday’s overtime defeat.
UConn outshot Princeton in both matchups but came away without a win against the No. 7 Tigers. The Huskies will look to regroup in their next matchup, hosting Mercyhurst for a two-game series on Friday and Saturday.