EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — Goaltender Victoria Rutnik and freshman Autumn Kelly scored their first collegiate goals, and Grace Babington delivered two goals and an assist as women's hockey defeated Saint Michael's 6–3 Friday at Northwell Health Ice Center.
The Sharks improved to 4–4–1 overall and 3–1–1 in NEWHA play, producing a season-high six goals and outshooting the Purple Knights 52–22.
Rutnik supplied the afternoon's most unusual moment. With the game tied 2–2 late in the second period, she was credited with an unassisted goal as Saint Michael's goaltender headed toward the bench for an extra skater on a delayed penalty. The goal at 18:27 put LIU ahead for good. Rutnik also finished with 19 saves to earn the win.
Parker Small opened the scoring with an unassisted goal at 10:14 of the first period. After Saint Michael's moved ahead 2–1 in the second, Babington answered just 57 seconds later, finishing off an assist from Drew Dyczkowski to pull LIU even.
The Sharks took control with two goals in 17 seconds early in the third period. Babington converted on the power play at 5:02, with assists from Addison Robillard and Small, to extend the lead to 4–2.
Kelly followed at 5:19, scoring her first collegiate goal off assists from Lauren Karl and Kristen Kiggen to give LIU a three-goal cushion.
Saint Michael's cut the deficit to 5–3 late in regulation before Dyczkowski sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 18:37, assisted by Babington.
Small and Dyczkowski each finished with a goal and an assist. LIU converted its lone power-play opportunity and killed Saint Michael's only advantage.
The Sharks close the series Saturday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m. at Northwell Health Ice Center. The game will stream on FloHockey.
