URI women's hockey sweeps Liberty

02/11/09 - Coming off a big win, the University of Rhode Island women's ice hockey team swept Liberty University at home, 3-2 and 3-1, during last weekend.Friday night started well for URI. Though the first period was scoreless, the Rams had the majority of scoring chances and outshot the Liberty Flames 15-2 in the period.

With 18:31 in the second period, the Rams finally got on the board with their 16th shot of the game. Junior Jolene Rambone scored off a deflection from the point. Rambone was assisted by sophomores Justine Ducie and Amanda Tassoni.

Later in the second period, the Flames answered back with a goal at 13:26. The Flames' Kirstin Frescura caused a turnover in URI's zone that tied the game up at one.

The Flames scored again to put them on top at 4:23 in the period when Meagan Nunn scored on a breakaway.

The Rams fought back to tie the game at two in the third period when the freshman forward from Finland Johanna Leskinen provided the equalizer with 3:29 in the period. With Leskinen's goal, the Rams forced overtime.

With 4:23 in overtime, Leskinen hit the back of the net for the second time to complete the comeback for the Rams.

"It was tough work. We were down, but we worked hard and passed them for the win," Leskinen said after her game-winning goal.

The Rams more than tripled their opponents' shots on the net. URI outshot the Flames 42-13.

"Statistically we should have won in regulation, but we struggled," coach Beth McCann said. "Even though we struggled, we found a way to pass them."

After the comeback win on Friday, McCann said, "They will show up and be ready" for tomorrow's game.

With a scoreless first period, it seemed that URI's offensive struggles would continue on Saturday. At 18:07 in the second period, Leskinen scored shorthanded to give URI the lead. It was her third goal in two games.

The Rams scored two more times in the second period to take a 3-1 lead. Senior Kate Garcia put the Rams up 2-0. After the Flames came within one, Ashley Pagliarini provided some breathing room with a goal later in the period.

"Our overtime win on Friday had an impact on our performance on Saturday," McCann said. "When our team takes 40 shots on net and only three goals are scored, we need to make adjustments."

Although Pennsylvania State University and the Eastern Collegiate Women's Hockey League playoffs are around the corner, McCann does not plan to rest any of her players. Instead, she is looking forward to "productive practices to prepare [them] for the playoffs."

The Rams face Penn State on the road next weekend, hopng to improve their 15-3-3 record.

"We will prepare as we have all season," McCann said. "We never take any game for granted and will give 100 percent to come out on top this weekend.