POTSDAM, N.Y. - Five different players scored as the seventh ranked Clarkson Golden Knights defeated Vermont 5-1 Saturday afternoon in non-conference action at Cheel Arena.
Freshman forward Shannon MacAulay opened the scoring for Clarkson 4:24 into the opening frame. MacAulay's first ever collegiate goal was assisted by Jamie Lee Rattray.
Just 35 seconds later the Golden Knights struck again to take a 2-0 lead on Olivia Howe's first goal on the season. Erin Ambrose and MacAulay earned assists on the play.
Vermont got one back quickly as Brittany Zuback scored her second goal of the season at the 6:45 mark of the first period. Megan Dalbec was credited with her second assist of the season on the play.
The Catamounts generated chances in the second period but they could not equalize. 12 of Vermont's 18 shots in the game were in the middle frame.
13:44 into the second period Rattray scored her team-high fourth goal of the season to push the Golden Knights lead back to two goals. Rattray now has nine points in five career games against the Catamounts.
With 15 seconds left in the second period the Golden Knights pushed their advantage to 4-1 on the power play. Danielle Skirrow scored her second goal of the season and Vanessa Plante was credited with the assist.
Clarkson closed out the scoring as Shelby Nisbet notched her second goal of the season at the 7:04 mark of the third period.
Making her first career start Clarkson sophomore Emily Horn earned her first win with 17 saves, Kelci Lanthier made 33 saves in her second start of the season.
"Today was a much better effort despite the score," said Head Coach Jim Plumer. "Our second period was the best period of the season, hopefully we can build on that going forward." Vermont returns to action on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. as they open up Hockey East play at New Hampshire.
NOTES: Emily Walsh played in her 100th game as a Catamount ... Brittany Zuback now holds the team lead in goals with two this season ... Six other Catamounts have one goal thus far ... Clarkson outshot Vermont 38-18 on the afternoon.