Catamounts Secure Third Straight Win with 4-1 Victory Over Merrimack
Vermont women’s hockey continued its winning streak Friday night, defeating Merrimack 4-1 at Lawler Arena and securing three crucial points in the Hockey East standings. The Catamounts (9-12-2, 3-7-1 HEA) earned their third consecutive victory, fueled by a dominant second and third period performance and two goals from forward Oona Havana.
Resilient Performance Overcomes Early Deficit
The Catamounts demonstrated resilience after falling behind early in the contest. Merrimack opened the scoring at 10:41 of the first period on a powerplay, with Emma Pfeffer capitalizing on a rebound off a shot from Stina Sandberg. Despite the early setback, Vermont responded emphatically, ultimately outshooting the Warriors 44-20.
Second Period Surge Propels Vermont Ahead
Vermont erased the deficit and seized control of the game in the second period. At 5:25, Stella Retrum assisted Kaylee Lewis, who scored her fifth goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1. The Catamounts then took the lead at 11:17, with Oona Havana finishing a slick passing play involving Julia Mesplède and Lauren O’Hara. Havana’s sixth goal of the season gave Vermont a 2-1 advantage heading into the final frame.
Havana’s Second Goal Seals the Deal
Oona Havana extended Vermont’s lead early in the third period, scoring her second goal of the game just 2:06 into the frame. Assisted by Ashley Kokavec, Havana beat Lauren Lyons low blocker side, pushing the score to 3-1. A potential fourth goal was waved off later in the period after officials determined the puck was intentionally directed into the net with a hand. However, Rose-Marie Brochu sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 1:46 remaining, finalizing the score at 4-1.
Key Performances and Team Stats
Oona Havana’s two-goal performance marked her first career multi-goal game. Julia Mesplède recorded two assists, her second career multi-assist game. Lauren O’Hara also reached a milestone, playing in her 100th career game and adding an assist. Goaltender Zoe Cliche was instrumental in the win, making 19 saves in her third straight victory.
Beyond individual performances, Vermont dominated the faceoff circle, winning 34 to Merrimack’s 26. The Catamounts also scored their first shorthanded goal of the season on Friday.
Community Impact Extends Beyond the Ice
The victory also triggered charitable donations. According to the team announcement, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to the Ronald McDonald House through the “Cat’s Win, Community Win” initiative. Additionally, Community Bank N.A. will donate $200 to Special Olympics Vermont, contributing $50 for each goal scored by the Vermont men’s and women’s hockey teams this season.
Looking Ahead: Rematch with Merrimack
The Catamounts will look to complete the weekend sweep of Merrimack tomorrow afternoon, with puck drop scheduled for 2 p.m. at Lawler Arena. Fans can catch the game live on ESPN+. For the latest updates on the Vermont women’s hockey program, follow @UVMwhockey on Instagram, X, and Facebook, and visit UVMathletics.com.
