 |
 Melissa Boal scored three goals including the game-winner. |
Jan. 26, 2008
Moon Twp., Pa. - The Wayne State University women's hockey team (14-6-2 overall, 2-0-0 CHA) tied the school record for consecutive victories at six with a come-from-behind 6-4 triumph at league rival Robert Morris (10-15-1 overall, 0-4 CHA) Saturday evening.
The win also set a WSU record for longest unbeaten streak at seven games (6-0-1).
With Amanda Hungle in the penalty box, the nation's leading goal scorer Melissa Boal (Pakenham, Ont./Ottawa Raiders) tallied an unassisted short-handed lamp-lighter to start the scoring at the 7:35 mark of the opening period.
The host Colonials would take a 2-1 lead on a pair of power-play goals before sophomore Katrina Protopapas (Chatham, Ont./Bluewater Hawks) knotted the game at two with just 37 seconds remaining in the opening stanza. Protopapas' fifth of the campaign was assisted by Lindsay DiPietro (Manotick, Ont./Ottawa Lady Senators) and Christine Jefferson (Nepean, Ont./NCCP Junior Raiders).
DiPietro netted her 11th of the season 2:58 into the middle stanza off assists from Ashley King (Winnipeg, Man./River East Lightning) and Boal to regain a one-goal advantage for the Warriors.
Just over four minutes later Boal tallied a five-on-three power-play goal with help from Chelsea Burnett (Ridgeway, Ont./Stoney Creek Sabres).
Five minutes later RMU's Kristin Miles scored her sixth of the season to pull the hosts to within one at 4-3.
WSU's lead increased back to two just 22 seconds later as Boal completed the hat trick with DiPietro and Protopapas earning assists on the eventual game-winner.
DiPietro scored on a penalty shot with 6:02 remaining to complete the Warrior scoring. RMU's Morgan Beikirch scored with 3:01 left to make the final score 6-4.
After scoring corrections on Friday took away a hat trick from Boal, she responded with three goals and one assist in Saturday's triumph. DiPietro also had four points on two goals and two assists.
Valery Turcotte (Jonquiere, Quebec/Royal Metabetchouan) earned the win between the pipes making 30 saves. RMU's Brianne McLaughlin turned aside 24 WSU shots.
Wayne State hits the road next for a pair of league games at Niagara on Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. Opening face-off both days at the Dwyer Arena is slated for 2 p.m.
Notes:
Melissa Boal leads the country in points per game (2.43/51 in 21 games), while Lindsay DiPietro and Sam Poyton are tied for third nationally in points per game (48 points in 22 games).
Boal is second in goals per game (1.38/29 in 21 games), while Poyton is third (1.09/24 in 22 games).
DiPietro is leading the nation in both assists (36) and assists per game (1.64).
