Reading, Pa. (Jan. 5, 2024) - After over a month off from conference play, #9 Utica University spoiled Alvernia's return to conference action with a 3-1 win over the Golden Wolves on Friday night in women's ice hockey action at Body Zone.

The Golden Wolves and Pioneers played a very even first period until the Pioneers broke through in the final 15 seconds of the period to take a 1-0 lead. The Pioneers again used a last second goal in the second period to make it a 2-0 game en route to the 3-1 final.

With the loss, Alvernia dropped to 8-3-1 overall and 6-2-1 in UCHC play,  while Utica improved to 10-1-2 overall and 7-0-2 in UCHC action.

How it Happened

• The Golden Wolves and Pioneers were even for nearly the entire first period. The Golden Wolves had the lone power play opportunity of the period, but could not convert.

• The game nearly went into the first break tied at 0-0, but the Pioneers scored with 13.8 seconds left in the period off a blocked shot by Alvernia to take the 1-0 lead.

• Alvernia finished with 10 shots on goal to Utica's 12 and Alvernia had 21 total shots to Utica's 22. Alvernia's Julia Beaven finished the period with 11 saves and Alvernia added five more blocks. 

• The Pioneers took possession control in the second period, not allowing a sustained possession in the Alvernia offensive zone for a majority of the period. Utica outshot the Golden Wolves 16-1 on goal in the period. Beaven stood strong for nearly the entire period, but Utica scored with less than a second remaining in the period to take the 2-0 lead.

• Utica again kept peppering the Golden Wolves through the third period and appeared poised to take a shutout win over the Golden Wolves. But, Alvernia went empty net as the clock was ticking down and combined that with a power play opportunity to get on the board. Riley Hill collected the puck in front of the net and forced it into goal to make it a 2-1 game with just over two minutes to play.

• Alvernia remained at an empty net and the Pioneers were able to retake the two goal lead with no one in goal for the 3-1 final.
   

Inside the Box Score

• Beaven finished with 45 saves in net for Alvernia.

• Carolyn Burton led the Golden Wolves with five blocks.

• Sydney Bradley led Alvernia with ten shots and also recorded an assist on Hill's goal. Alex Robertson added the second assist on Alvernia's lone goal.
   

Of Note

• Beaven's 45 saves is a season-high for her in net, and is her most in a game since she recorded 45 against Utica last season.

• Alvernia continues to find success on the penalty kill. The Golden Wolves have only allowed two power play goals all season.
   

Up Next

• Alvernia concludes the series with Utica tomorrow afternoon. Puck drops at 2:00 PM at Body Zone.