University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Providence
Huskies Fall Short In Overtime At Providence, 2-1
2/12/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Ice Hockey
Feb. 12, 2011
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The University of Connecticut women's ice hockey team went to overtime for the third time in as many games this afternoon, and a Providence goal at the 3:02 mark of the overtime period led the Friars over UConn, 2-1 at Schneider Arena. With the loss, the Huskies fall to fourth place in the Hockey East standings, as the Friars now hold a one point lead over UConn.
UConn and Providence ended regulation in a 1-1 tie, with both goals coming in the first period of action. Stephanie Raithby (London, Ont.) scored UConn's lone goal at the 7:57 mark of the opening period, giving the Huskies the 1-0 advantage, which they would hold until the final seconds of the first period. Raithby redirected the puck over the PC goalie's shoulder for her sixth goal of the season after getting a pass from classmate Taylor Gross (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Gross broke down the right wing on a 2-on-1 break and found Raithby with the open shot at the net for her ninth assist of the year.
The Friars evened the score in the final seconds of the first period as Jean O'Neill scored the equalizer at the 19:59 mark of the opening period. O'Neill tipped in the puck after Jen Friedman blasted a slapshot from the left point, just beating the buzzer to knot the game at 1-1.
The Husky defense stopped three shots during the overtime period before Jessica Vella scored the game-winner for the Friars at the 3:02 mark. PC's O'Neill was part of the second goal on the afternoon as well, as she fed Vella who was in front of the UConn goal and had the puck redirect off her boot and into the back of the net for the 2-1 Friar victory.
Nicole Paniccia (Oakville, Ont.) recorded 32 saves on the day, which marked a career-high, as she surpassed her 24 stop effort that she had against Robert Morris earlier this season. Genevieve Lacasse made 30 saves for the Friars, and PC held the slight edge in shots during the contest with 34 to UConn's 31.
UConn and Providence will face off again tomorrow, as the two teams meet outside at Rentschler Field beginning at 4:00 p.m. Sunday's contest is part of the Whaler's Hockey Fest and will begin after the UConn men face Sacred Heart at 1:00 p.m.
