HERSHEY, Pa. ­­– Sophomore Tiffany Anderson netted a goal for the Lebanon Valley College women's ice hockey team on Friday, as the program dropped a close 2-1 game to No. 9 Utica University at Hersheypark Arena.

The Flying Dutchmen (1-2-0, 0-1-0 UCHC) delivered a strong effort against the Pioneers (3-0-0, 1-0-0 UCHC), battling valiantly until the final minute. Lebanon Valley struck first with a goal in the opening period, but Utica went ahead in the second on a pair of goals. LVC was dominant defensively during the remainder of the game, but the Pioneers' points in the second frame proved to be the difference in the contest. First-year goaltender Mia Frisoni helped keep the opposition in check throughout the night, making 48 saves.

Lebanon Valley was productive on both sides of the ice during the first period, generating scoring chances and playing stellar defense. The Dutchmen managed keep Utica off the board during the first 20 minutes, as Frisoni saved each of the 14 shots on goal she faced. Offensively, the program also registered 14 attempts on goal. 

The Flying Dutchmen opened the scoring with 4:17 remaining in the first period, taking a 1-0 lead over the Pioneers. Anderson got the offense going by sending a shot past the goaltender and into the left side of the net. Anderson's second goal of the season was assisted by senior Jess Dawe. LVC took this one-goal advantage into the first intermission.

Utica then put a pair of points on the board within the first 3:25 of the second period, taking a 2-1 lead on two goals by Hailey Modlin. Lebanon Valley continued to create scoring chances in the second, tallying seven shots on goal. First-year Madelynn Debelis took three total shots for the program during the second period. Frisoni continued to keep LVC in the game during the second, making 14 more saves. 

Defense was the story of the third period, as both programs limited each other's offenses during the final 20 minutes. Frisoni kept her impressive performance going in the third, saving each of the Pioneers' 20 shots on goal. The Flying Dutchmen also battled offensively until the end of the game, taking four shots in the last two minutes. Graduate student Katie Pounder took a pair of shots within a span of five seconds during the final minute. Ultimately, Utica maintained its 2-1 advantage during the remainder of the contest. 

Inside the Box Score

• Anderson netted her second goal of the year during the first period. 
• Dawe was credited with the assist on Anderson's goal. 
• Lebanon Valley took 30 shots on goal. 
• Pounder led the Flying Dutchmen with five shots on goal. 
• Frisoni made 48 saves in the contest.
• The Dutchmen blocked a total of 16 shots. 
• First-year Norah McCauliffe led LVC with three blocked shots. 
• Pounder, Anderson and first-year Ava Waugaman each recorded two blocked shots. 

Up Next
The Flying Dutchmen will return to action at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, as the program will host the Pioneers again at Hersheypark Arena.   

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