The Lindenwood women's hockey team dropped game two of their first-round CHA tournament series at Robert Morris by a score of 3-1. The game was played on Saturday afternoon from 84 Lumber Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa.
The Lady Lions and Colonials would skate even for the duration of the first period, with neither team breaking through with the opening score. Lindenwood would receive the lone power play of the period, just 80 seconds before the intermission. Robert Morris held the edge in shots for the period 11-8, while the score remained knotted at zero.
Lindenwood began period two with a one-skater advantage for the opening 40 seconds, but failed to capitalize on that attempt. The Colonials would use the momentum generated by their penalty-kill to strike first, scoring at the 3:44 mark of the second period. Brittany Howard used a strong backhand shot to lift the puck into the top right corner of the net, giving Robert Morris the 1-0 lead. The Colonials would add to their lead with exactly seven minutes remaining in the second period. Ashley Vesci re-deflected a Kristen Welsh shot from the right side blue line, sending Robert Morris ahead 2-0. The Lady Lions would be outshot 15-9 during the second period, and headed into the locker rooms trailing by two goals.
Early on in the third period
Britannia Gillanders was whistled for interference, sending Robert Morris to the power play. The Colonials would take advantage of the power play opportunity, as Mackenzie Johnston found the back of the net, expanding the Robert Morris to 3-0. The Lady Lions battled back with a goal of their own 42 seconds later, cutting into the Colonials lead.
Shara Jasper notched the 22nd goal of the season, and her second goal in as many days. Assisting on Jasper's conference-leading score were
Carrie Atkinson and
Sarah Bobrowski, their sixth and 19th helpers of the year, respectively.
Nicole Hensley made 35 saves between the pipes for the Lady Lions. The Colonials held the advantage in shots 38-26 for the game. Gillanders led the way for the Lady Lions in the shot category, sending eight pucks on net. Robert Morris held the edge in the faceoff circle, winning 45 of the 69 faceoffs.
Shannon Morris-Reade won a team-high eight draws for Lindenwood. On special teams, the Lady Lion power play failed to score on any of its three chances, while penalty-kill unit wrapped up play 4-5.
With the 3-1 defeat, the Lady Lions move their season record to 9-23-4 and 6-12-4 from within the CHA. The Colonials improve to 16-15-4 and 8-10-4 during conference play following the victory. The two teams are now even through two games during the best two-of-three series. Lindenwood and Robert Morris will return to the 84 Lumber Arena tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m. EST for a decisive game three.
