PITTSBURGH — RMU women’s hockey (10-11-4, 8-2-1 CHA) put together a very solid 60 minutes friday against RIT (9-11-4, 5-5-0 CHA) winning the game 3-1. It was a special mental health awareness game to raise both money and awareness for the cause. On top of this it was also the debut of sophomore Alison Rodgers, who transfered from Minnesota Duluth.

The first goal of the contest was scored very early on from Madison Farrand at 2:57 into the first. A bad bounce led to a nice pass from Tori Haywood into the slot for an easy goal that beat Lauren Bailey through the five-hole. However, this was the only goal Bailey would give up all game as she made 15 saves on 16 shots, all while donning a new “Never Give Up Radio” mask.

The second period was arguably RMU’s best as they completely made the rink one-sided. Just like the first period, an early goal was scored, this time by Sarah Quaranta at 1:04 with assists to Caitlyn Sadowy and Emilie Harley. RMU had many chances in this period, most coming on the powerplay, but RIT goaltender Tara Lanteigne stood tall finishing the game with a massive forty saves.

With a 1-1 game heading into the third the game plan was just to fire pucks on net and Emily Curlett did just that, having 10 shots in the game when all was said and done. At 8:46 of the third period she finally found twine as she sniped the top corner with a big goal that would go on to be the game winner.

“You’re just trying to get through this shift, but definitely cycling through your mind to dont let in a goal and to get the puck clear,” stated Emily Curlett about the final penalty kill.

RMU hadn’t won the game yet though as a tripping penalty to Natalie Marcuzzi and an empty net gave RIT two more players on the ice late in the game. But thanks to great penalty killing and shot blocking from Emily Curlett, RMU was able to clear and kill the penalty. Finally with RIT’s net empty, Amber Rennie buried home her ninth of the season and RMU won on a very special night 3-1. Head coach Paul Colontino praised the PK after the game.

“The penalty kill was huge, some unbelievable blocked shots, unbelievable saves, and we had great reads from the four players that were out there.”

In terms of the mental health awareness cause, led by Liam Cavanagh and the seniors on the team, RMU has currently raised a little under $1.5k for the cause of mental health awareness, you can help support this cause with the link below.

“It’s a great event, you are proud of the players the way they represent our program, and for the way they represent the cause,” stated Colontino.

The Colonials will play game two tomorrow afternoon against RIT, home at 3:05 p.m.

https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/liftthemask