Cornell Opens with Shutout Victory
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ITHACA, N.Y.--The Big Red women's ice hockey team opened its season in a spectacular manner on Saturday afternoon shutting out Vermont, 3-0 at home in Lynah Rink. Cornell handed the Catamounts (4-1 overall) their first loss of the season, with sophomore goaltender Jenny Niesluchowski earning the shutout victory making all 36 saves.
Cornell jumped out to an early lead when freshman Rebecca Johnston scored her first collegiate goal 2:52 into the game. Johnston was set up by linemates Caeleigh Beerworth and Karlee Overguard and was able to push the puck past goaltender Kristen Olychuck giving Cornell a 1-0 lead.
The Big Red ended the second period down two skaters, with the two penalties carrying over into the third. Cornell was able to fend off the Catamounts two-man advantage to retain its one goal lead.
Beerworth rifled a shot over the shoulder of Olychuck to give Cornell a 2-0 lead at 11:26 into the third period. Karlee Overguard notched her second assist of the game, and Johnston also helped out on the goal.
The Big Red further padded its lead when less than two minutes later, senior forward Brianne Schmidt skid the puck under the goalie's gear to take a 3-0 advantage. Her linemates Brianne Gilbert and Hayley Hughes notched the assists.
Vermont outshot the Big Red by a narrow 36-35 margin. Cornell was penalized nine times for 18 minutes and was able to fend off the Catamounts for all of their eight penalty kills. The Big Red was unable to scored during any of its three power play opportunities.
Niesluchowski recorded her second career shutout looking tough in between the pipes for the Big Red blocking all 36 shots. Olychuck made 32 saves in net for Vermont.
The Big Red will be back in action tomorrow afternoon when it will face off against Vermont again at 1p.m. in Lynah Rink.
