ARMSTRONG SCORES TWICE AS NEW HAMPSHIRE UPENDS VERMONT, 4-2
Junior forward Hannah Armstrong nets two goals for Wildcats

Junior forward Hannah Armstrong scored two goals for the Wildcats

BURLINGTON, Vt. - Hannah Armstrong scored two goals as the New Hampshire Wildcats defeated Vermont 4-2 Saturday afternoon at Gutterson Fieldhouse in Hockey East action.

Kellie Dineen opened the scoring 38 seconds into the first period, converting her fifth goal of the season during a mad scramble in front of New Hampshire goaltender Jenn Gilligan. Erin Wente got the original shot off in transition, then Gina Repaci poked at the rebound and Dineen trailing on the play put it home from just inside the crease.

New Hampshire pulled Gilligan after the goal as Marie-Eve Jean made her fourth appearance of the season in relief.

The Wildcats responded on the power play at the 7:08 mark of the first period. After working the cycle behind the net, Armstrong walked out in front and beat Vermont goaltender Roxanne Douville with a quick wrist shot for her sixth goal of the season.

New Hampshire took the lead at the 15:23 mark of the second period. A Vermont defender's cross-ice pass was intercepted by Kristina Lavoie, she dropped the puck behind her back to Armstrong who was in alone on Douville. Douville made a great initial save, but Armstrong put her own rebound in to give the Wildcats their first lead of the weekend series.

Vermont tied the game early in the third period on Valerie Stoul's first goal of the season. Stoul redirected a Repaci point shot in the slot past a screened Jean. With the assist Repaci now has five points in her last three games.

Arielle O'Neill put the Wildcats ahead for good on the power play midway through the third period. Kristine Horn setup Sarah Carlson with a one-timer down low, Douville made the save, but Carlson gathered the rebound and fired a cross-crease pass to O'Neill who tapped home her seventh goal of the season.

Lavoie added an empty net tally with 49 seconds left in regulation to seal Wildcats first win of the season against Vermont. With the win New Hampshire sits alone in fifth place in Hockey East two points ahead of the Catamounts.

Jean earned her first career win for the Wildcats, making 18 saves. Douville made 29 saves for the Catamounts.

"I was pleased with the way we competed in both games this weekend, even if we didn't get the result we wanted today," said head coach Jim Plumer. "We made a few key mistakes that cost us but overall I feel like we are continuing to make progress. Next weekend will be a crucial matchup with Maine as we try to improve as the playoffs approach."

Vermont returns to action next weekend as they conclude their six-game home stand hosting the Maine Black Bears for a two-game series.

Tickets for all UVM home games can be purchased online at UVMathletics.com, via the phone at 802-656-4410 or the day of the game at the Gutterson Fieldhouse Ticket Office.

NOTES: Vermont was 0-4 on the power play, and gave up two power play goals ... Greer Vogl blocked four shots this afternoon to add to her team-leading total of 45 ... Vermont is now 5-3-0 in its last five meetings against New Hampshire.