BURLINGTON, Vt - Sophomore goaltender Elaine Chuli earned her first career shutout as she made 32 saves to lead UConn to a 2-0 win over Vermont in Hockey East action Saturday evening at Gutterson Fieldhouse.
The Huskies opened the scoring 16:02 into the first period. Sarah MacDonnell fed a pass to Rachel Farrel who was open behind the Vermont defense. Farrel walked in alone on Vermont goaltender Roxanne Douville and scored her sixth goal of the season with a quick wrist shot. Farrel's goal was UConn's first against Vermont in over 13 periods of action.
UConn stretched its lead to two goals with a five-on-three power play goal 3:36 into the second period. Kelly Harris passed from the point to Michela Cava who was open at the side of the net. Cava collected the puck and fired a low shot past Douville for her sixth goal of the season.
In the second Chuli was outstanding. She stopped breakaway attempts from Amanda Pelkey and Sarah Campbell to preserve the Huskies two-goal lead.
Vermont appeared to have scored a shorthanded goal late in the third period. With 1:55 left in regulation Amanda Pelkey backhanded a shot past Chuli that went off the post and appeared to cross the goal line at the opposite post. The on-ice call was a goal but after a lengthy review and discussion between the officials they reversed the call.
After withstanding a late Vermont power play the Huskies wrapped up their first win against the Catamounts under head coach Jim Plumer.
Chuli became the first UConn goaltender to register a shutout since 2011. Chuli has posted a 1.25 GAA and .969 save percentage in January, she made 62 saves during the two-game series against Vermont.
"I'm really disappointed that our team lacks discipline at key times," said Plumer. "It really hurt us today and we all take responsibility for that. We have to do a better job of coaching and the players have to execute to the best of their ability, it's a simple formula. That said, full credit to UConn for their outstanding game and goaltending in particular."
Vermont returns to action next weekend as they travel to Chestnut Hill, Mass. to face the seventh ranked Boston College Eagles in a two-game Hockey East series. The Catamounts will face the Eagles at 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.