University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
New Hampshire
UConn Splits Weekend Series at UNH
1/14/2018 12:00:00 AM | Women's Ice Hockey
DURHAM, N.H. - Senior forward Theresa Knutson scored her second goal of the weekend on Sunday afternoon, but the UConn women's ice hockey team fell victim to a three-goal second period on its way to a 3-1 loss at New Hampshire in Hockey East action.
The Huskies (7-10-7, 1-9-4 WHEA) earned a split with the Wildcats (10-10-5, 7-7-3 WHEA) this weekend, though UNH won the season series, 2-1. Senior goalie Annie Belanger made 31 saves in the loss, including 14 in the first period.
Knutson scored at 17:26 of the third period to spoil the shutout for UNH goalie Ava Boutilier, who made 39 saves, including 15 in both the first and second periods. Junior Jaime Fox and sophomore Catherine Crawley recorded assists on the tally.
A scoreless tie drastically changed within a seven-minute stretch of the second period, as the Wildcats tacked on three goals to take control of the game. Devan Taylor (7:55), Abby Chapman (11:35) and Taylor Wenczkowski (14:41) all scored to put the Huskies in a sizable 3-0 hole.
UConn picked up three penalty kills on the day, but went just 1-of-5 on its own power plays - which included a 6-on-3 situation late in the third period after two penalties on UNH and the decision to go empty net.
The Huskies held a 40-34 shots advantage, but struggled to capitalize on scoring chances. Belanger continued fighting off UNH shots, with several sharp stops in the first period, before the scoring barrage in the second.
Knutson and freshman Natalie Snodgrass each had a team-high six shots on target, as the Huskies dropped their ninth game in league play. For Knutson, it was her 46th career goal - one short of Michelle Binning for third place on UConn's all-time goals list.
The Huskies return to the ice on Friday night when they head back to the Matthews Arena for a matchup with Northeastern. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m.
