FINAL SCORE (OT): Vermont 1, UConn 1
HARTFORD, Conn. – The Vermont Catamounts (8-18-5, 6-15-3 WHEA) and the UConn Huskies (14-14-3, 9-12-3 WHEA) exchanged goals in the first period for the only markers in a 1-1 defensive contest Saturday afternoon at XL Center.
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score

COACH'S QUOTE
"First of all, thanks to UConn for hosting us at XL Center for a very cool experience," said head coach Jim Plumer. "Our team rose to the challenge today and we were better in every aspect of the game. It's disappointing to not get the extra point, but I think everyone on our team is proud of our effort."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Catamounts opened the scoring when Alyssa Gorecki netted her team-leading eighth goal of the season. The senior captain pickpocketed a UConn defender and took off on a breakaway before faking a shot and shifting the puck to her backhand to beat Morgan Fisher (21 saves). The unassisted goal came 6:15 into the first period.
• With 31 seconds left in the opening frame, Tristyn Svetek neared the Vermont goal and centered a pass to Danika Pasqua who's one-timer from the slot whistled past Blanka Škodová (24 saves). Rebeca Lindlbad was credited with the secondary assist.
• The conference foes exchanged chances throughout the second period, but both were unsuccessful in taking the lead. With 12:20 left in the frame, Corinne McCool fired a shot from the right faceoff circle that rang off the post and hit Fisher. Unfortunately, the Huskies' goalie recovered the puck to preserve the tie.
• Minutes later Nora Maclaine dished a pass to Viki Harkness near the Vermont goal where she pushed a shot wide of the goal as the score stayed knotted at 1-1.
• UVM had a strong push at the midway point of the third period. Maude Poulin-Labelle snapped a shot from the high slot and the rebound kicked out to Kristina Shanahan who directed an attempt on goal, but Fisher stymied the Cats' scoring chance. Seconds later, Ellice Murphy walked in from the blue line to the slot and whistled a shot that narrowly missed the right post.
• Saana Valkama and Sammy Kolowrat combined for a scoring opportunity in the final minutes of regulation when the UVM defender sent a slap shot from the top of the circle. Valkama quickly batted the rebound from a few feet away, but was denied by Fisher.
• Škodová denied two Huskies from point-blank with 10 seconds left in the third period to force overtime. The overtime period had a shot on goal from each team and abbreviated power plays, but no game-winning tallies.

WHAT'S NEXT
The Catamounts return to action Friday (Feb. 15) to face the Holy Cross Crusaders on Military Appreciation Night, presented by Milton Cat. Tickets are free for military personnel and their family if they purchase at the ticket office with their military ID. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. at Gutterson Fieldhouse.
 
The Windjammer and Upper Deck Pub is the presenting sponsor of the 2018-19 women's hockey season