BURLINGTON, Vt. - A two-goal night by Alyssa Gorecki powered the Vermont Catamounts (9-18-5, 7-15-3 WHEA) who blanked the Holy Cross Crusaders (1-27-3, 1-23-1 WHEA) on Military Appreciation Night presented by Milton CAT Friday at Gutterson Fieldhouse.
COACH'S QUOTE
"It was a very good team win for us today," said head coach Jim Plumer. "Credit to Holy Cross, they played very hard and their goalie was outstanding. Our team dug deep for two big points and it was great to see senior Alyssa Gorecki net two goals in her last home weekend. Tomorrow's game is crucial for our playoff chances and we will need to play even better."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Catamounts had several chances to open the scoring in the first period as they outshot Holy Cross 9-6. Ève-Audrey Picard came close to netting her eighth goal of the season when she tried to bat a rebound home, but was denied by Jada Brenon (27 saves).
- Sarah Stevens and the Crusaders had a rare opportunity in the late minutes of the first period when the junior forward was awarded a penalty shot. Stevens neared Blanka Škodova (16 saves) in goal, but the UVM netminder read the play the whole way and kicked away the scoring chance.
- After a scoreless opening frame, Vermont continued its offensive pressure with a 10-3 shot advantage in the second period. Corinne McCool and Picard almost took the lead, but Brenon sprawled across the crease to deny the consecutive attempts as the Cats collapsed around the Holy Cross net.
- Gorecki successfully found the back of the net for Vermont with 6:52 left in the middle frame to open the scoring. The senior captain received a pass in the slot from Ali O'Leary and slipped a shot through the pads of Brenon.
- Vermont added two quick goals past the midway point of the third period to put the game out of reach. Theresa Schafzahl scored her sixth goal of the season with 8:34 left in regulation and Gorecki added her team-leading 10th goal 32 seconds later.
NOTES
- Škodová registered her second shutout of the season in eight starts as a rookie.
- With the victory, the Cats Win, Community Wins campaign and Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to Make-A-Wish Vermont; bringing this year's total to 31 wins and $3,100.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Catamounts return to action Saturday (Feb. 15) when they host the Holy Cross Crusaders on Senior Night, presented by the UVM Alumni Association. Puck drop is slated for 4 p.m. at Gutterson Fieldhouse.
