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 Melissa Boal scored #10 WSU's lone goal in a 2-1 setback to Robert Morris |
Feb. 15, 2008
DETROIT - A week after defeating Mercyhurst for the first time in school history, Robert Morris returned the favor to the #10 Wayne State University women's hockey team as the Colonials downed the Warriors 2-1 for the first time in the program's history Friday night at the City Sports Center. With the loss, WSU (17-7-2, 5-1-1 CHA) saw its school record 11-game unbeaten streak snapped and fell back into a first place tie in the CHA standings with Mercyhurst as the Lakers defeated Niagara, 5-2, earlier tonight.
Both teams put fourth a valiant effort defensively with RMU goalie Brianne McLaughlin proving to be the difference as she out dueled senior goalie Valery Turcotte (Jonquiere, Quebec/Royal Metabetchouan). McLaughlin finished the game with 26 saves (13 in the third period) while surrendering only one goal to WSU's high-powered offense. Turcotte made 27 saves in the losing effort and saw her 11-game unbeaten streak snapped. Her last setback was to #4 Minnesota on Jan. 5.
Neither team could get on the board in the first period as both goalies were sharp early.
WSU wasted little time in the second period to take a 1-0 lead. Just 32 seconds into the fame, the Warriors attacked off the opening draw as junior Sam Poyton (Hamilton,Ont./Stoney Creek Sabres) moved behind the net with the puck from junior Lindsay DiPietro (Manotick, Ont./Ottawa Lady Senators) and made a centering pass to junior Melissa Boal (Pakenham, Ont./Ottawa Raiders) who buried the puck in the back of the net. With the assist, DiPietro set a new school record with a 13-game scoring streak eclipsing the old mark of 12 set by Poyton earlier this season Oct. 19-Nov.24, 2007.
However, Robert Morris would respond as Ali Proodian took a pass from Mallory Giambra and ripped a shot at Turcotte who was unable to corral the rebound as Jessica Riley stuffed home the equalizer at the 5:10 mark. The game would not stay tied for long as Deja Vu struck WSU approximately three minutes later as Robert Morris' Megan Piciniac skated down and right side and put a shot on Turcotte who once again had trouble with the rebound and Giambra was able to put home the lose puck for the power-play game-winner.
RMU turned the game over to McLaughlin in the third period as she turned aside numerous WSU scoring opportunities to seal the 2-1 upset victory
The series finale between Wayne State and Robert Morris is slated for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday (Feb.16) at the City Sports Center.
