ROCHESTER, N.Y.- Alva Johnsson and Renee Hoffmann scored, but the Sharks were unable to overcome a Tigers' three-goal third period, falling to Rochester Institute of Technology, 5-2 on Sunday afternoon to close out non-conference play in the inaugural season.
 
The Sharks finished with 26 shots on the day. Matilda af Bjur took five shots, followed by Megan Bouveur who took four shots. Carrigan Umpherville finished with three, while Molly Meyers, Johnsson, Hoffmann, Abby Latorella, and Grace Dima each had two shots. Paula Bergström, Julia Hoffmann, Stella Scott, and Saige McKay each took one shot. Latorella, Julia Hoffmann, Bouveur, and Meyers each had an assist on the day.
 
Ava Bailey made the start in net for the Sharks. She finished the day with 43 saves, including a game-best 19 saves in the third period. Defensively, the Sharks had a new season-best 31 blocked shots, and killed off all five of the Tigers' power plays. This was the second game in a row the Sharks did not allow a power play goal.   
 
The Tigers got on the board first, breaking through in the 10^th minute of the first period. Johnsson then tied the game up nearly five minutes later. Johnsson took the initial shot, while Julia Hoffmann shot the rebound which bounced off the goaltender and into open space where Johnsson came around the net to put the puck passed the Tigers' goaltender. Bailey made nine saves in the first period.
 
The Tigers had a breakaway in the fourth minute of the second period and went one-on-one with Bailey, who made the save to keep the score tied. The Tigers would eventually break open the 1-1 tie in the first half of the second period, taking a 2-1 lead. Bailey would only let up the one goal in the second and turned away 15 shots taken by the Tigers.
 
The Tigers would add to their lead in the third, scoring two insurance goals. The Sharks continued to play hard and would not give in, as Renee Hoffmann was able to send a lose rebound to the back of the net off Latorella's initial shot. The Tigers scored an empty net goal to close out the game.
 
After a short break for the holidays, the Sharks will head to Montreal, Canada for the Therese Humes Tournament where they will play two exhibition games. LIU will face McGill on Saturday, December 28 followed by a matchup with Concordia on Sunday, December 29.