Great goaltending kept Vermont in the game long enough for them to tie the score in the third period at 2-2. That is how the game would end after a hard fought third period and overtime against North Dakota.
The Catamounts (2-13-3) got outworked by the Fighting Sioux (6-12-3).for 40:00 but benefited from the goaltending of senior goalie Kami Cote. She made 38 saves in the game and was in good position on every shot. Sophomore Jenna Burdy stopped 21 for UND on the other end.
“Her mental skills are second to none and she is always fully prepared to play,” said Vermont coach Dennis Miller of his goalie. “She gives us a chance to win every game.”
The Catamounts needed her in this one because of a solid start by UND. The Sioux won all the battles and got to every loose puck in the first and second period.
“I thought we got outworked, outthought, and outright pounded for 40:00,” Miller said. “We pulled it together in the third though.”
North Dakota freshman Cami Wooster scored the game’s first goal after junior Anne Girtz tipped a shot from Kovacevich that hit the post and came out in front, from where Wooster shot it into the open net.
In the third period, the Catamounts finally got their first tally on the power play. A shot from the blueline was tipped in front by sophomore forward Jenny Hogan and found the back of the net to tie the score at 1-1.
The Sioux struck again just 2:02 later with their second power-play goal of the game when junior defenseman Jessica Kovacevich took a shot on a loose puck in front that went five-hole on Cote. Kovacevich’s goal put UND ahead 2-1.
But just 1:49 later Vermont tied the game on a misplayed puck that sprung junior forward Kate Hudspeth on a breakaway that she made no mistake on. She buried it high to the glove side for the only even-strength goal of the game.
UND outshot Vermont 40-23 but could not take advantage. They were kept outside on most shots and were not allowed many second chances.
“We knew their goalie was strong coming in and that we had to shoot a lot and capitalize on chances,” said UND coach Shantel Rivard. “[Cote] controlled her rebounds well.”
The two teams will battle again in Grand Forks tomorrow at 2:05 at the Ralph Engelstad Arena.
