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Jennifer Bragger takes a shot at the goal, helping the University of Rhode Island women's hockey team win its game against Northeastern University on Sunday.

Undefeated Rams take down Northeastern in women's hockey

By: Kyle Towne

Posted: 11/21/08

11/21/08 - From the first drop of the puck, University of Rhode Island's Women's hockey team was on the attack against the Huskies. The Rams had many opportunities in the attacking zone, but Northeastern University's defense and goalkeeping kept URI from scoring.

In the end, URI (9-0) defeated Northeastern women's club hockey team (5-1) last Sunday, 4-3.

Northeastern scored the first goal just three minutes into the game on a wraparound shot from behind the net.

The Huskies were charged with the first penalty of the game midway through the first period, but 13 seconds into that penalty the Rams committed a penalty of their own to bring the game back to even strength.

Rhode Island went back on the power play when Northeastern was called for another interference penalty. URI was unable to convert, and remained down by one goal. With five minutes left in the period, junior Jolene Rambone stole the puck in the middle of the ice, worked her way past the defenders and deked the goalie to score.

With two minutes remaining in the period, the Huskies attacked with a flurry of shots against Rams sophomore goalie Nina Goncarovs. She stopped all of them, and the period ended with the score tied 1-1.

"We didn't play as well as I know we can," Rambone said.

The Rams found themselves on the advantage early in the second period, but Northeastern penalty killers did their part in clearing the puck down the ice.

URI freshman Danika Korpacz scored to take the lead on a slapshot that deflected off a Northeastern defender midway through the second period.

The Huskies quickly responded, scoring after rebounding two shots to tie the score 2-2.

Rhode Island began to raise the pressure on the offensive end, trying to get a goal to take the lead. This plan backfired, as Northeastern stole the puck and scored on a one-on-one breakaway. The Huskies had scored three goals on just six shots, whereas URI had two goals on 23 shots.

Northeastern continued the stellar goalkeeping, making a plethora of saves to keep URI behind on the scoreboard.

The Rams had a great opportunity late in the second period when Northeastern committed two penalties at once, giving URI the 5-on-3 advantage. URI continued to pile on shots, but received nothing to show for it, scoreless on five power play opportunities.

Heading into the third period the Rams were down 3-2, but were ahead 35-8 in shots.

"We did not play the way we should have in the first two periods," Goncarovs said.

Northeastern continued to play defense, diving in front of URI's shots and blocking them.

As the game reached the late minutes, Rhode Island was desperate for a goal to remain in the game. With four minutes remaining, junior Nicole Ouellete was in the right place at the right time, as a puck rebounded off the Northeastern goalie right to her. She shot across the goalie's body and scored to tie the game at three.

URI continued to attack the opposition, trying to get a game-winning goal. The puck came loose in front of the net after a Rhody slapshot, and it was taken and shot to the right hand corner by freshman Meghan Birnie to give URI a 4-3 lead.

"It's great to be able to come back like that," Goncarovs said.

Northeastern pulled its goalie with 30 seconds left, but were unable to shoot even with the extra player.

URI outshot Northeastern 55-9 in the game, as it dominated the puck and were always in the attacking end of the ice.

The Rams will continue their season this weekend with a pair of away matches at the University of Massachusetts.

"We did what we had to do," Rambone said. "But we really need to step it up for UMASS this weekend."