Union Women’s Hockey Loses to RPI in Overtime Thriller

The Union College women’s hockey team just took a tough loss against their cross-town rival, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). The game at Houston Field House started off promising, with the Garnet Chargers grabbing an early lead.

But RPI snatched the win in overtime, leaving Union on the wrong side of a 2-1 final. It was a gritty battle—several Union players really stood out, even if the result stung.

Union College’s Strong Start

Union opened the game with some sharp defense. Five minutes in, they faced a penalty kill and managed to keep RPI off the board.

That early test set a competitive vibe for the rest of the night.

Power Play Opportunities

Union picked up back-to-back power plays at 12:42 and 14:29, including a quick 5-on-3. They couldn’t cash in, though, despite some decent looks.

The period closed with Union shorthanded again, but they held strong and killed it off. Their penalty kill looked solid all game.

Second Period: Breaking the Deadlock

Union started the second with a five-minute power play after RPI got hit with a major for checking from behind. Even with all that time, they struggled to find the net at first.

But about four minutes later, junior Maddie Leaney finally broke through and scored the first goal.

Leaney’s Goal

That goal came from some good teamwork. Jill Willis took the initial shot from the slot, Karianne Engelbert jabbed at the rebound and got knocked down, and Leaney swooped in to bury the loose puck.

Union went into the third period up 1-0, and you could feel the energy boost on the bench.

Third Period: RPI’s Response

Midway through the third, RPI’s Charlotte Wensley tied it up with a sharp-angle shot. That goal really swung the momentum their way.

Union had a few solid chances late on a power play but couldn’t get the go-ahead goal. Both teams finished the period four-on-four after some roughing minors.

Quality Chances

Union created a handful of good looks in the third. RPI’s defense and goalie just wouldn’t budge.

With no one able to break the tie, the game headed to overtime.

Overtime: RPI’s Victory

In OT, Charlotte Wensley struck again for RPI. She scored her second of the night on a breakaway with less than a minute left.

That sealed the 2-1 win for the Engineers. Union skated off frustrated, but they left it all out there.

Goaltending Battle

First-year goalie Emma Rhéaume was a bright spot for Union. She made 28 saves and kept her team in it all night.

Honestly, she looks like she’s going to be a big part of this team’s future.

Looking Ahead

Union gets another shot at RPI tomorrow at M&T Bank Center. That one’s the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Game, and puck drops at 3:00 p.m.