Lewiston, NY - Backboned by a 15-save effort from freshman Allison Rutledge, Niagara University spoiled the Clarkson University Women's Hockey team's regular-season debut, dropping the Golden Knights 2-0 Friday evening in front of 606 fans at Niagara's Dwyer Arena.
The Purple Eagles scored at the 2:01 mark of the first period when freshman forward Meagan Smith slid a backhand through opposing goaltender Kira McDonald’s (Pickering, Ontario) five-hole, to put the team ahead, 1-0.
The Golden Knights struggled offensively in their debut, with just 15 shots on goal, including just three on three man-advantage opportunities. However, Clarkson allowed only one goal in the final 58 minutes and excelled in their penalty killing, stopping Niagara's two power-play chances, including a five-minute major.
Niagara added its second goal of the game when Candice Morely carried the puck down the left side and across the blue line, feeding a pass to Bradi Cochrane, who chipped the cross-ice offering into the open net at 14:38 of the second period.
McDonald made 25 saves for the Golden Knights.
The Golden Knights will look to earn a series split with Niagara when the two teams face off at 2:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon in Dwyer Arena.
