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 Melissa Boal scored the game-winner in a 1-0 WSU victory against UConn. |
Nov. 4, 2005
DETROIT, Mich. - The Wayne State women's hockey team (2-5-2) recorded its first home win and its second shutout in as many games, defeating the University of Connecticut (2-4-0), 1-0, on Friday night at City Sports Center Arena.
Melissa Boal (Pakenham, Ont./Ottawa Raiders) scored the game-winning goal in the third period, with assists from Sam Poyton (Hamilton, Ont./Stoney Creek Sabres) and Lindsay DiPietro (Manotick, Ont./Ottawa Lady Senators).
The first period ended in a scoreless tie, but Wayne State looked dominant in the offensive zone, outshooting UConn 13-6 in the period.
Both teams had several scoring opportunities in the second period, but the score remained tied at zero after 40 minutes of play. The Warriors nearly broke the tie when Jessica Snelgrove (Tecumseh, Ont./Team Ontario) ripped a shot from between the hash marks that went into the glove of UConn goaltender Kaitlyn Shain for a tough save with just 22 second remaining in the period.
At 12:57 in the third period, a penalty was called on the Huskies for having too many players on the ice. The Warriors took full advantage of the late power-play opportunity, as DiPietro sent a pass to Poyton in the defensive zone, which Poyton carried along the boards into Huskie territory. She found Boal behind the net, and Boal was able to wrap the puck around and beat Shain with a backhand on the far post to give the Warriors the lead at the 14:08 mark.
It was then up to the defense and goaltender Valery Turcotte (Jonquiere, Que./Royal Metabetchouan) to preserve the lead. The Huskies had a six-on-four advantage for the final 1:27 due to an empty net and a Wayne State penalty, but failed to score despite three shots on goal, earning Turcotte her second straight shutout and the third of her career. She made 23 saves in the game, including nine in the third period.
Boal's goal was her second of the season, as she has now scored in back-to-back games. She also managed nine of Wayne State's 27 shots on goal. DiPietro extended her point streak to four games, and Poyton extended hers to three.
The Warriors will look to sweep the series on Saturday, with game time set for 4:00 p.m. at City Sports Center Arena.
