FINAL SCORE: Vermont 2, New Hampshire 1
DURHAM, N.H. – Ève-Audrey Picard's second-period goal was the difference maker as the Vermont Catamounts skated to their first win of the 2018-19 season over the New Hampshire Wildcats Friday night at Whittemore Center Arena.
 
Picard and Saana Valkama were the goal scorers for Vermont (1-1-2, 1-1-0 WHEA) and Melissa Black stopped 22 shots. Marie-Jo Pelletier scored late for UNH who dropped to 1-3-1 (1-2-0 WHEA) while Ava Boutilier registered 23 saves.
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score
 
COACH'S QUOTE
"We played great team hockey tonight," said head coach Jim Plumer. "This team is coming together nicely and tonight was a good example of the fast paced style of hockey we are capable of playing. We are excited to test ourselves against Boston College tomorrow."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Catamounts opened the scoring at 7:07 in the first period on Valkama's second goal of the season. Theresa Schafzahl collected the puck behind the UNH net and dished a pass to Kristina Shanahan. The sophomore forward quickly turned towards the slot and fired a wrist shot that rebounded off of Boutilier's to Valkama who batted the puck home.
• The trio of Valkama, Shanahan, and Schafzahl almost combined for another goal in the first few minutes of the middle frame. Schafzahl directed a pass to Shanahan who backhanded a shot that trickled wide of the net, but Valkama was waiting near the post. The senior forward directed the puck towards the open goal, but was denied by a sprawling Boutilier.
• Picard netted her second goal of the season with 12:50 left in middle frame. The junior assistant captain chopped at a loose puck in the slot that ricocheted off Wildcats' defender into the back of the net.
• UNH nearly cut the lead on the power play with 10:42 left in regulation. Black made a series of saves for the Catamounts' penalty kill and covered the puck for a stoppage as a New Hampshire forward tried to poke the puck home.
• New Hampshire pulled Boutilier for the extra attacker in the final minutes of the game and had a brief power play.
• Pelletier brought the Wildcats to within one during the 6-on-5 advantage. The UNH forward received a pass in the slot and lifted a shot over the glove of Black with 1:02 left in the game.

NOTES

• Valkama's first period goal marked the first time Vermont opened the scoring this season as well as the first time the UVM had the lead through one period.
• The senior forward became the first Catamount to tally their second goal of the season. Six different skaters had previously netted goals for UVM in the first three games.
• Schafzahl's assist on the opening goal was the first point of her collegiate career.
• With the victory, the Cats Win, Community Wins campaign and Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate another $100 to the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington, bringing this year's total to 85 wins and $8,500.

WHAT'S NEXT
Vermont stops in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts Saturday for another Hockey East matchup, this time against the Boston College Eagles. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Conte Forum.

The Windjammer and Upper Deck Pub is the presenting sponsor of the 2018-19 women's hockey season