MADISON, Wis. - The University of New Hampshire women's hockey team fell by a margin of 2-1 at the University of Wisconsin Friday night in a non-conference match. The loss drops the Wildcats to 3-3-0 on the year while the Badgers improve to 4-3-2.
In the first period, Wisconsin took a 1-0 lead at the 2:45 mark when Karley Sylvester notched a power play goal. Kelly Jaminski and Katarina Zgraja assisted Sylvester on the play. The Badgers add to their lead with 1:18 remaining in the first period after Brianna Decker scored an unassisted goal. The Wildcats were persistent in testing Wisconsin goalie Alex Rigsby on offense in the period after tallying nine shots on net. Each attempt was turned away. New Hampshire netminder Vilma Vaattovaara (Veikkola, Finland) made saves on nine of the 11 shots she faced through the first stanza of play.
The second period saw a plethora of offense from both sides but even better goaltending. New Hampshire outshot Wisconsin in the period by a margin of 12-10, each goalie stopping all the shots they faced.
Senior Kristina Lavoie (Fonthill, Ontario) got the Wildcats on the board in the third period at the 10:31 mark with her third goal of the season, bringing New Hampshire to within one goal. Kristine Horn (Utica, Mich.) dished out her third assist of the season on the play. Despite the offensive surge by the 'Cats, the score was finalized at 2-1 with Wisconsin tallying its fourth win of the year
Vaattovaara got the decision in net for New Hampshire after making 32 saves on the 34 shots she faced. Her record stands at 3-3-0 on the year. Rigsby notched her fourth win of the year as she improves to 4-3-2 in 2012. The netminder saved 29 of 30 shots she faced. On special teams, New Hampshire was 0-for-4 while Wisconsin was 1-for-4 with the advantage.
The two teams will face off again Sunday, October 28 for the final game of the series. Puck drop is set for 3 p.m. EST.
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