PITTSBURGH– The Robert Morris women’s hockey team (2-5-1) will be home this weekend for a two-game series against Penn State (3-4-3). Before the two teams take the ice at Colonials Arena this upcoming weekend, here is how the teams stack up in this weekend series.
Recapping Robert Morris
Last weekend, the Colonials traveled Ithaca, New York, to take on Cornell (2-0-0) of the ECAC. Unfortunately, it was not the outcome the team had wanted, as they were defeated in both of the two matches scheduled.
On Friday, October 25, the Colonials were shutout. Colonials goaltender Raygan Kirk allowed only one goal during the first period of play, making 14 saves. The Colonials struggled to get shots off and ended the period with only five total shots on net.
During the second period, Kirk made 12 saves and allowed one goal, making the score 2-0 in favor of Cornell. During the final period, Kirk let in four more goals before being pulled. Junior Molly Singewald replaced Kirk, making two saves on two shots. The game ended with a score of 6-0.
On Saturday, October 26, the Colonials were shutout following another great performance by Cornell. During the first period, Colonials’ goalie Arielle DeSmet blocked all 11 shots keeping the game tied at zero.
During the second period, DeSmet allowed only one goal on five shots. DeSmet allowed another goal during the third to bring the game to 2-0. The final goal of the game was an empty-net goal that sealed yet another win for Cornell, this time by a score of 3-0.
Previewing Penn State
Last season, they ranked third overall in the CHA. So far this season, the team is 3-4-3 after last weekend’s matchup against the no. 10 Boston University Terriers (5-1-1, 2-1-1 Hockey East). On Friday, Penn State fell to the Terriers by a score of 5-2. On Saturday, the team again fell 5-1. After being swept last weekend, the team will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Robert Morris University Colonials at the Island Sports Complex.
Players to Watch
Emily Curlett and Arielle DeSmet (RMU)
Curlett retained back-to-back honors as the CHA Player of the Week for two consecutive weeks. Last season, Curlett notched 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points. The second player is goalie Arielle Desmet, who helped the team against Cornell this past weekend. Desmet has played in five games this season and has a record of one win, three losses, and one tie so far.
Brooke Madsen and Katie McMillan (PSU)
Brooke Madsen plays for the top offensive line for Penn State. Madsen scored one of the team’s three goals this weekend with three shots on net. Madsen consistently sees ice time apart of the power-play and penalty kill units. Katie McMillan is coming off a two-point weekend. McMillan had one assist during Penn State’s 5-2 loss against BU. McMillan also had the lone goal for Penn State in their second matchup against the Terriers on Saturday.
Prediction
The last time RMU and PSU went head to head, RMU came out victorious 2-1. I think each team will walk away with a win this weekend, with both games being close in score. RMU will win Friday’s game 3-2, and PSU will return to Happy Valley after picking up a 2-1 win on Saturday.
