FINAL SCORE (OT): Vermont 2, Holy Cross 1
WORCESTER, MA. – Kaylee Lewis delivered the overtime game-winning goal 3:31 into the extra period from the Hart Center Rink, propelling Vermont (14-16-5, 8-11-4 HEA) over Holy Cross (18-12-3, 10-11-3 HEA) 2-1 on Friday evening, securing the extra conference point towards Hockey East team standings.
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score
 
COACH'S QUOTE
"This was another game where we played well but we had a hard time finding the back of the net," said Head Coach Jim Plumer. "I'm really proud of our response in the third and it showed a lot about our character. At this point, every game has playoff vibes, and we found a way to get the win and the important two points."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• After a scoreless first period that saw Vermont outshoot Holy Cross on goal 18-2, it was the Crusaders that opened scoring just 51 seconds into the middle frame while being shorthanded when Emily Crovo set up Charlotte Sonntag in the slot for her ninth goal on the campaign, earning Holy Cross the 1-0 advantage.
• The Catamounts bounced back in the third period, getting an equalizer goal from Ashley Kokavec 5:06 into the final frame, using a wicked slap shot to pin the top left corner, securing her third goal of the season, bringing Vermont back even with Holy Cross, 1-1. Rose-Marie Brochu and Brooke George each earned an assist on UVM's first goal of the game.
• The Catamounts successfully killed a Crusader power play with less than four minutes of regulation remaining. No goals were scored for the rest of the third period as the game was sent to overtime.
• With 1:31 on the clock in overtime, Lewis sealed the deal after corralling a rebound off Kokavec's initial shot, sniping the top right corner for her 10th goal of the season, earning Vermont the 2-1 road victory from the Hart Center Rink.

 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Kokavec led a game high two points on one goal and one assist, putting her at 17 total points on the year, a new career high. This is Kokavec's third multi-point game on the campaign.
• Kokavec also led a game high eight shots on goal, tying her career high for shots on goal in a single game.
• Lewis notched her 10th goal of the season on the power play, the overtime winner, tying her career high while adding five shots on goal. Lewis now has four power play goals and two game winning goals on the campaign.
• Brochu tallied one assist on Friday, her 15th helper of the season, extending her point streak to four games while adding 11 faceoff wins.
• Natalie Zarcone and George each added an assist against Holy Cross.
• UVM successfully killed all four Holy Cross power plays. The Catamounts are a perfect 20-20 on the PK in their last five games.
• Vermont outshot Holy Cross on goal 41-16.
• 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 overtime win over Holy Cross, the Catamounts will travel to Durham, NH for their regular season finale against New Hampshire on Saturday (Feb. 21) from the Whittemore Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m. and 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