Reading, Pa. (Jan. 6, 2024) - #9 Utica University completed the UCHC series sweep over Alvernia University on Saturday afternoon with a 4-1 win over the Golden Wolves in women's ice hockey action at Body Zone.

With the loss, Alvernia drops to 8-4-1 overall and 6-3-1 in UCHC play. Utica improves to 8-0-2 in UCHC play and 11-1-2 overall.

How it Happened

• Utica broke open the scoring after sending 16 shots on net at Alvernia's Julia Beaven through the first 12 minutes of action. The Pioneer's needed their 17th shot on net to break through and take a 1-0 lead.
• The Pioneers maintained solid possession throughout the first period and survived two penalty kills in the opening 20 minutes. Utica outshot the Golden Wolves 20-4 on goal in the opening 20 minutes. 
• Utica took a 2-0 lead just under eight minutes into the second period on a short-handed goal and then took a 3-0 lead on a power play goal just over three minutes later.
• The Golden Wolves got on the board with three and a half minutes left with Kathryn Palmer scoring on a power-play goal off the assists of Gillian Evans and Khenzie Connick. 
• Alvernia had a few more opportunities on net in the second period, but the Pioneers still outshot the Golden Wolves 15-7 on goal in the second frame.
• Beaven and Alvernia's defense made 14 saves in the final 19 minutes to keep it a two goal game. But, Alvernia pulled with over three minutes to play and the Pioneers found the empty net with 46 seconds left to come away with the 4-1 win.

Inside the Box Score

• Beaven finished 46 saves in net for the Golden Wolves to surpass the 2,500 career save mark.
• Sydney Bradley led Alvernia with seven shot attempts and Laila Tossi finished with a team-high four blocks. Amber Steinhilpert finished with a team-high 10 faceoff wins.
• Alvernia finished 1-for-8 on power play opportunities
• Utica's Carolyn Whitney finished with two goals and an assist.

Of Note

• Beaven's 46 saves marks her second consecutive game with 40 or more saves in net and sets a new season-high for Alvernia. 
• Alvernia scored in each game against Utica this series. It is the first time Alvernia was not shutout in at least one game of the season series. 
• Alvernia is now in 4th place in UCHC standings through ten games.

Up Next

• Alvernia hosts Nazareth University this coming Friday and Saturday. Nazareth is 7-4-1 overall 7-0-1 in UCHC play.
• Alvernia is 0-5 all-time against the Golden Flyers.