Cahow Reaches Milestone in Crimson Victory

Boxscore

CAMBRIDGE, MA -- Caitlin Cahow collected her 100th point, and Katharine Chute scored twice and added an assist to propel top-ranked Harvard to a 5-0 victory over Rensselaer.

Cahow, a senior defenseman and Patty Kazmaier Award candidate, picked up assists on both Crimson goals in the first period, while Chute tallied a goal in both the first and third stanzas.

Sophomore goaltender Christina Kessler tied the NCAA single-season record with her 10th shutout of the season, as she made 18 saves in net. Kessler matched the record held by Melissa Bourdon (New Hampshire, 2006), Kira Hurley (Clarkson, 2006) and Jessie Vetter (Wisconsin, 2007).

Harvard (22-1-0, 18-0-0 ECAC Hockey) found the back of the net on two occasions during the first period, as Chute scored her second goal in as many days at 3:40. Freshman Kate Buesser and Cahow picked up their first assists of the day after moving the puck to Chute.

Less than six minutes later, freshman Liza Ryabkina and Cahow found junior Jenny Brine for a power-play tally, giving the Crimson a 2-0 lead.

The Crimson killed off four Engineer penalties in the first period, including back-to-back 5-one-3 opportunities. Harvard's defense allowed only five shots during those Rensselaer power plays, shutting down the passing lanes in front of Kessler.

Sophomore Jen Brawn earned her first goal of the season on an even-strength tally at 13:30 of the second. After a scramble in front, Brawn tipped in a rebound from the right side. Chute and Buesser collected their second points of the afternoon on the play.

In the third, Sarah Vaillancourt swooped into the Rensselaer zone and fired a shot over the glove of Rensselaer goaltender Ashley Mayr. Vaillancourt's goal was unassisted, as she increased the Crimson advantage to 4-0 at 5:42.

Chute capped the scoring for the Crimson at 12:05 with her second goal of the evening. Buesser set a career-high with her third assist of the afternoon on the tally.

In goal, Kessler earned her 20^th win of the season, while her counterpart, Ashley Mayr, turned aside 30 Crimson shots. Harvard finished the game 1 of 5 on the power play and held Rensselaer (12-12-5, 5-9-4 ECAC Hockey) scoreless on the eight Engineer chances with an extra attacker.

Harvard has now recorded 12 shutouts as a team this year, one shy of tying the team record set by the 2003-04 squad. The Crimson also finishes the regular season with a perfect 13-0-0 record at home.

With her two assists, Cahow (27-73-100) is now tied for 17^th on the Harvard all-time scoring list with Kathy Carroll '84. Cahow, Laura Brady, Jessica MacKenzie and Brenna McLean were honored by their teammates in a post-game ceremony following the game.

Harvard is back in action Tuesday, Feb. 12, as it looks to capture its 12^th Beanpot title. The Crimson will skate against Boston University at Walter Brown Arena at 8 p.m.