North Andover, Mass. - The University of Connecticut women's hockey team improves to 7-0 on the season and 3-0 in conference play as they knock off Merrimack behind goals from Summer-Rae Dobson, Natalie Snodgrass and Ainsley Svetek.
UConn jumped to an early lead scoring on the power play only two minutes into the game. UConn instantly peppered the Merrimack goaltender with shots from puck drop. One finally made it through on a shot by graduate student Natalie Snodgrass, assisted by Morgan Wabick and Summer-Rae Dobson. UConn's aggressive offensive attack was beneficial early in the game drawing three penalties in the first period.
The second period was a defensive battle as UConn only generated two shots on goal through the first 10 minutes. Senior goaltender Samantha Carpentier-Yelle would make four saves in the period. However a tripping penalty on UConn would put Merrimack on the power play where they would eventually score the tying goal midway through the second period. Both teams would head into the third period tied at 1, with Merrimack out shooting UConn in the second period 9-4 but UConn out shooting them for the game 16-14.
The third period started out very similar to the first. UConn came out pressuring early, which resulted in junior Ainsley Svetek netting a slapshot just 1 minute into the third period to give the Huskies the one goal lead. Merrimack would score a goal with 13 minutes left in the third period. Following a huge save by Carpentier-Yelle to keep the game tied at two, UConn went on the attack and a breakaway goal by Summer-Rae Dobson gave UConn the 3-2 lead with only 3 minutes left in the period.
The goal by Summer-Rae Dobson assisted by Danielle fox would be the difference maker as UConn wins the game 3-2 and improve to 7-0 on the season and 3-0 in Hockey East. Summer-Rae Dobson led the way for the Huskies with 1 assist and 1 goal and Samantha Carpentier-Yelle saved 22 of 24 shots.
Up Next
UConn will return home October 29 as they take on Merrimack for the third and final time this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Freitas Ice Forum.
