FINAL SCORE (OT): Vermont 2, Maine 1
BURLINGTON, Vt. – A third period game equalizing goal from Kaylee Lewis, 27 saves from Zoe Cliche, and an overtime game winning goal from Ashley Kokavec propelled Vermont (10-12-4, 4-7-3 HEA) over Maine (8-14-3, 4-8-3 HEA) 2-1 on Saturday evening from Gutterson Fieldhouse during the Catamounts' Senior Day game presented by the UVM Alumni Association. With the win, Vermont extends its unbeaten streak to six games, the longest unbeaten streak since the 2021-22 campaign.
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score | CatamounTV Highlights
 
COACH'S QUOTE
"What a great weekend of hockey this was at Gutterson," said Head Coach Jim Plumer. "Both were fast and physical, and it felt like playoff intensity. I am so proud of our team for the resilience they showed after a slow start. We had such a good second period and had nothing to show for it, but we stuck together and kept grinding. Shout out to our penalty kill for turning the momentum in the third period and our power play again was clutch to tie the game. Also, it's great to see Ashley Kokavec score in such a key moment. We know we still have a lot of work to do to move up in the standing, but it feels good to be on a six-game unbeaten streak and we are looking forward to the challenge at Boston University next weekend."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• 2:34 into the game, the Catamounts saw a prime scoring opportunity when Darci Matson carried the puck into the Maine zone with Makena Lloyd-Howe on her far side, electing to rip a snapshot towards goal, but her shot rang off the crossbar sending the puck out of play, keeping the game scoreless at 0-0.
• It was the Black Bears the opened scoring 3:50 into the game when Kendall Sundby was able to find the back of the net while Zoe Cliche was screened by numerous bodies, scoring her second goal of the season, earning Maine the 1-0 advantage.
• After a scoreless middle frame, the Catamounts eyed an equalizer goal with 15:12 on the clock in the third period when Oona Havana wheeled her way into the slot, unleashing a wrist shot on goal, but her shot rang off the crossbar, keeping Vermont off the scoreboard for the second time in the contest.
• Vermont found an equalizer goal with 5:17 remaining in the final period on a power play, seeing Stella Retrum and Kokavec set up Kaylee Lewis at the point. After receiving the puck, Lewis took a few strides towards the middle of the ice and ripped a snapshot to the top left corner, beating Madisyn Ryan's blocker, securing her seventh goal of the season, knotting the game at 1-1.
• No goals were scored for the remainder of regulation, sending the Catamounts into extra time for the third straight game.
• With 2:05 left in overtime, Vermont sealed the deal when Kokavec crashed the net after a shot on goal from Lewis, burying the rebound with her forehand, pinning the top left corner to score her second goal of the season, earning the Catamounts a 2-1 overtime victory to wrap up the weekend set with Maine.

 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Kokavec notched her second multi-point game of the season, tallying one assist and the overtime game-winning goal against Maine on Saturday. Kokavec also recorded four shots on goal and one blocked shot.
• Lewis also recorded two points on one goal and one assist while adding a game-high five shots on goal.
• Retrum and Brochu each registered one assist on Saturday.
• Lauren O'Hara won a game-high 12 faceoffs.
• Josie Hemp blocked a team-high three shots.
• Zoe Cliche recorded 27 saves en route her seventh victory between the pipes.
• Vermont has scored a power play goal in three straight contests.
• UVM outshot Maine 30-28.
• The Catamounts successfully killed off Maine's lone power play opportunity.
• Vermont won 28 faceoffs to Maine's 21.
• With today's Win, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to the Lund Family Center through the Cat's Win, Community Win's initiative. Vermont Mutual has donated over $5 Million Dollars since launching their Charitable Giving Fund in 2014.
• With tonight's 2-1 decision, Community Bank N.A. will donate $100 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
Following the senior day win over Maine, the Catamounts get one week to prepare for a road trip to Boston, traveling down to Walter Brown Arena for a road weekend series against Boston University, a rematch of the 2024-25 Hockey East Quarterfinals. Friday (Jan. 23) has a puck drop slated for 6 p.m. while on Saturday (Jan. 24) puck drop is scheduled for 4 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