FINAL SCORE (OT): Vermont 3, Merrimack 3
CHESTNUT HILL, MA. – The Catamounts found themselves down by two goals against Merrimack (3-16-3, 0-11-1 HEA) entering the final period of play on Saturday night from the Conte Forum, but a third period goal from Josie Hemp and an equalizing tally from Kaylee Lewis with 61 seconds remaining in regulation helped knot the score at 3-3 as Vermont (9-12-3, 3-7-2 HEA) was able to tie the game, forcing an overtime period. No goals were scored in overtime, sending the game to a shootout where UVM secured the extra conference point, winning the shootout 2-0.
 
REALTED LINKS
Box Score
 
COACH'S QUOTE
"Again, our team showed resiliency in coming back from a 3-1 first period deficit and I'm proud of them for fighting to the very end and scoring the tying goal with a minute left," said Head Coach Jim Plumer. "That said, another subpar first period is something we've got to address. Credit to Merrimack's goalie for another outstanding performance and to Zoe Cliche for hanging tough after giving up three first period goals and shutting Merrimack out the rest of the way and in the shootout. We've got to be resolved to play a full 60 minutes going forward."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Vermont came out the gates flying on offense, recording four shots on goal in the opening two minutes. Two from Darci Matson, one from Makena Lloyd-Howe, and one from Lauren O'Hara, but Lauren Lyons stood tall, making all four saves that she needed to.
• Merrimack opened scoring on the power play 6:30 into the contest, seeing Maddie Crowley-Cahill score her first goal of the season to give the Warriors the 1-0 lead.
• The Catamounts pounced back, scoring a power play goal of their own 9:58 into the first period. Oona Havana picked up where she left off in the first game of the weekend series, scoring her third goal of the weekend, eighth of the season, bringing the score back to even, 1-1, nearly halfway through the opening frame.
• Merrimack orchestrated two more successful powerplays before the first period was over, getting power play goals from Cerrato and Emma Pfeffer, taking a 3-1 advantage into the middle frame.
• After a scoreless second period that saw Vermont outshoot Merrimack on goal 11-3, the Catamounts were able to claw within one goal 6:55 into the final frame when Hemp tallied her fourth goal of the season, bringing Vermont back into striking distance, down 3-2. O'Hara was awarded an assist on UVM's second goal.
• A holding penalty on Merrimack's Maggie Kime with 1:16 remaining in regulation allowed Vermont to orchestrate a six-on-four opportunity with the goalie pulled, executing the two woman advantage to perfection as Ashley Kokavec and Hemp were able to feed Lewis for her sixth goal of the season, scoring with 61 seconds left in the third period, knotting the game at 3-3 and ultimately forcing overtime from Chestnut Hill.
• No goals were scored in overtime, sending the contest to a shootout where Morgann Skoda and Stella Retrum each scored for UVM while Zoe Cliche shut down the two Warrior chances, earning Vermont the extra conference point towards standings and the massive comeback on the road.  

 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Havana scored her third goal of the weekend series on Saturday, eighth of the season, leading the team in that category. It was her second power play goal on the campaign.
• Lewis recorded the game equalizing goal and a tied game-high eight shots on goal, which also ties a career high for shots on goal in a single game. It's the second time in her career scoring a goal in back-to-back contests.
• Hemp notched one goal and one assist, her fourth goal of the season, while adding four shots on goal and one blocked shot. It's the second time this season Hemp has registered a goal and an assist in the same game.
• O'Hara registered one assist and tied a game-high eight shots on goal, which also ties a career high for shots on goal in a single game. O'Hara has recorded a point in four of her last five games.
• Kokavec tallied her tenth assist of the season on Saturday while adding four shots on goal and a team high two blocked shots.
• Brochu notched one assist, putting her at 11 on the season, leading the team in that category.
• Cliche made 20 total saves against the Warriors on Saturday, the sixth time this season making 20 saves or more in the same contest.
• Zarcone recorded one assist, her sixth helper of the season, having notched an assist in two of her last three games. 
• Vermont scored two power play goals in the same game for the third time this season, successfully executing two out of their three PP chances on Saturday.
• UVM outshot Merrimack 42-23 on Saturday. It's the fifth time this season the Catamounts have tallied 40 shots or more in the same game. UVM holds a 3-1-1 record when taking 40 or more shots on goal.
• With tonight's 3-3 decision, Community Bank N.A. will donate $150 to Special Olympics Vermont. Community Bank, N.A. donates $50 per goal to Special Olympics Vermont for every goal the men's and women's team scores this season.

 
UP NEXT
The Catamounts will return home, hosting Maine from Gutterson Fieldhouse for a weekend set on Friday (Jan. 16) and Saturday (Jan. 17). Friday's contest will be the team's Spread Respect Game with puck drop slated for 6 p.m. Saturday's contest is Vermont's Senior Day presented by the UVM Alumni Association. Four Catamount seniors will be honored in an opening ceremony prior to puck drop that's scheduled for 2 p.m. All the action will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
 
For news and updates about the Vermont women's hockey program, follow @UVMwhockey on Instagram, X, and Facebook, and visit UVMathletics.com.
 
The Windjammer Inn and Conference Center is the presenting sponsor of the UVM women's hockey program