Sports

Women’s hockey swept by Robert Morris

“Skating Strides” game settled in overtime; build cancer awareness

By Dayna Margarita

Posted on Oct. 26, 2009, at 12:20 a.m.

The University of Maine women’s ice hockey team lost both of games this weekend against Robert Morris University at Alfond Arena. The Black Bears fell 3-1 on Friday and 1-0 in overtime Saturday.

“We played a full 60 minutes, and we worked hard,” coach Dan Lichterman said. “It was a shame to lose this weekend, but we played very well. We just have to find a way to put the puck in the net.”

Friday, Black Bears sophomore goaltender Candice Currier made 13 saves in the first period. Robert Morris took a few shots early in the second period, which gave them their three-goal lead. The Black Bears had some chances to score early but were unsuccessful.

Senior Jenna Ouellette gave the Black Bears an opportunity to score in the third period with a spin-around shot but was unsuccessful when Robert Morris goalie Daneca Butterfield made the save. Shortly after, sophomore Myriam Croussette made an attempt at a goal, but her shot rang off the post.

The Black Bears finally scored at 3:40, when junior Jordan Colliton passed to Ouellette, who passed to sophomore Ashley Norum, who then shot the puck into the back of the net. The goal was Norum’s first of the season, and made the score 3-1. It was too late for the Black Bears to advance any further though.

Currier finished the game with 29 saves.

Saturday was UMaine’s “Skating Strides Against Breast Cancer” game. The Black Bears wore commemorative pink jerseys to build breast cancer awareness. The team auctioned off the jerseys after the game and will auction the rest at goblackbears.com until the end of the week.

The Black Bears began Saturday’s game strong, battling back and forth with the Colonials. UMaine freshman goalie Brittany Ott made a great save in the last 30 seconds of the first period, keeping the first period scoreless.

UMaine had an attempt to score in the second period when Robert Morris took two penalties. The Black Bears put pressure on Butterfield but were unsuccessful in scoring.

UMaine played well in the third period, as Croussette and Colliton took shots on goal. The Colonials scored on Ott, but the goal was erased due to a skate in the crease.

Robert Morris scored 44 seconds into overtime to win.

Ott made 17 saves, and the Black Bears outshot Robert Morris 29-18.

Junior forward Jennie Gallo said the Black Bears “played with their hearts.”

“Success isn’t measured by the position you reach in life, it’s measured by the obstacles you overcome,” Gallo said. “This was a learning experience this weekend, and we hope to improve in the future.”

Senior forward Abby Barton said the Breast Cancer Awareness Game gave the Black Bears extra motivation,.

“It was nice to have a Breast Cancer awareness game and to be able to have a great crowd for it,” Barton said. “We hope this weekend will be a learning experience and give us more motivation in the future.”

Maine will travel to Durham, N.H. next Sunday to take on the University of New Hampshire.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 26th, 2009, 12:20 am. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS feed.