Women's Hockey: Playoff Update 2

Cambridge, MA- Harvard dominated the first and third periods against the St. Lawrence Saints, putting up four goals in each frame to make it an 8-3 final score. After a 4-0 first period, Harvard seemed like they were going to run away with it, but St. Lawrence would score three, including two from Vanessa Emond to make it 4-3 heading into the last period. Kate Buesser got the home team off to a flying start in the third, completing her hat trick just 15 ticks into the period, while 45 seconds late, Jillian Dempsey netted her first of two. Marissa Gedman sealed the victory with an empty-net goal. Harvard outshot the Saints 38-26 and win the series 2-0. Harvard will host the second-lowest remaining seed in the semifinals on Thursday.

Ithaca, NY- After a close game on Friday night, the Cornell Big Red did their best to prevent RPI from hanging onto the game. Rebecca Johnston scored her first of three about two minutes into the first and the Engineers could only muster two shots on goal. After a goal at the 55 second mark of the second for Cornell, RPI did get on the board to make it 2-1, but it was all Cornell after that as the Big Red scored four straight to finish the game 6-1 victors. RPI never mustered more than 4 shots in a period and finished with 10 in the game. Cornell finished with 39 shots. Cornell wins the series 2-0 and will host the lowest remaining seed on Thursday night.

Hanover, NH- Facing elimination, the Dartmouth Big Green twice rallied from one goal deficits to beat the Clarkson Golden Knights 4-2 and force a decisive Game Three this afternoon. Sasha Nanji scored the game winner as Dartmouth took advantage of their power play, going 3 for 6 with the extra attacker. Shots were 28-26 in favor of the Big Green. Both teams play this afternoon to decide the winner. If Dartmouth wins, they play Harvard. If Clarkson wins, they play Cornell.

Princeton, NJ- After a scoreless first period, Kelly Babstock put the visiting Quinnipiac Bobcats up for good as they shutout the Princeton Tigers 2-0. The Bobcats also swept the playoff series between the two travel partners 2-0. Erica Uden Johansson added the empty net goal to seal the victory. Quinnipiac will be traveling to either Harvard or Cornell Thursday for the semifinals. Victoria Vigilianti made 18 saves to preserve the shutout. Quinnipiac had 25 shots on the night but never more than 9 in a period.

Saturday's Three Stars
1.Rebecca Johnston, Cornell- 3 goals on 11 shots, +2 rating
2. Kate Buesser, Harvard- 3 goals (1 PPG) on 5 shots
3. Victoria Vigilianti, Quinnipiac- 18 saves, Shutout