Freshmen Jessica Cloutier and Brooke Beazer both had the best games of their young collegiate careers as Clarkson defeated Union College for the second consecutive day. Cloutier exploded in the second period and notched two goals and an assist to morph a 0-0 tie into a 3-0 advantage for Clarkson (2-0, 2-0 ECAC) that would prove too difficult for the Dutchwomen (0-2, 0-2 ECAC) to overcome in a 4-0 defeat.
Cloutier broke the deadlock at the 2:45 mark in the second period as she took a pass from Beazer and beat Union goaltender Lauren Carlson for her first career goal. Cloutier’s second goal, a far more impressive tally, came when the two connected again with just over five minutes until the second intermission. Cloutier received the pass at the left face off circle and ripped a shot that would make any sniper proud as the puck snuck by Carlson’s shoulder and just under the crossbar on the far side. Beazer would put the exclamation point on the game as she notched her first career goal early in the third.
Similar to the previous evening, the Golden Knights showed the value of running an efficient power play. The Knights scored both of their goals Saturday while on the man advantage, and added two more on Sunday. Overall, Clarkson was 4-18 during the two game series as Union could only muster one goal out of ten power play opportunities.
“We did some good things, but we did some bad things as well,” said Union coach Tim Gerrish. “We had too many penalties and they hurt us, but overall I am happy with the girl’s effort. Clarkson is a good team. They’re going to finish higher in the league than expected.”
Clarkson is now 2-0 and has jumped out to an early first place lead in the conference standings with four points with the other teams in the conference aside from Union having yet to play.
“One of our goals is to turn good defense into good offense. As long as we continue to do that, we feel that we can have a successful season,” offered freshman Amanda Dittmer.
Dittmer was a major part of the Clarkson offense that racked up 46 shots on goal Saturday. Dittmer, however, did not play Sunday due to an injury sustained midway through the third period Saturday night. She suffered a sprained neck after a hard hit from a Union player. She is expected to be out four weeks. Despite missing the young center, Clarkson’s offense did not miss a beat as they recorded another 41 shots on goal.
Clarkson goalie Stephanie Hansen was selected for her first start of the year and made the most of the opportunity as she came up with 23 saves for the shutout. Despite allowing four goals, Lauren Carlson played an exceptional game in net for the Dutchwomen with 37 saves.
Union will host Sacred Heart next weekend for a pair of non-conference games and Clarkson will welcome Wayne State to Cheel Arena for a couple of contests. Both teams do not play another conference game until the middle of November.
