David Bates Photo

Moscato, Nor'easters ignite in the second period for 4-3 road win at Plymouth State

Box Score

PLYMOUTH, N.H. -- Gabriella Moscato scored three of the four University of New England goals in the second period, and the Nor'easters would hold on late for a 4-3 New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) victory over host Plymouth State University on Saturday (Jan. 14) at Hanaway Rink.

The win came less than 24 hours after the Nor'easters had been blanked at home by the University of Southern Maine and improved UNE's record to 6-7-2 (3-3-2 NEHC). The Panthers now stand at 5-9-1 overall and 2-6-0 in league play.

With just one goal for the season heading into the contest, Moscato was the catalyst for the Nor'easters, who found themselves trailing 1-0 after one courtesy of a power-play goal by the Panthers' Haley Branovan. 

Abby Kinens tied the score for UNE midway through the pivotal second frame, assisted by Kierra Wright and Annie Mullen. From there it was all Moscato, as the Nor'easter senior tallied a hat-trick in a span of 5:02. Her first marker, which put UNE on top for good was assisted by Gabby Crugnale and came just 26 seconds after Kinens' strike. Moscato would then sandwich a pair of goals around one by PSU's Lauren Connelly. Moscato's second of the afternoon was assisted by Mary Wirth and Crugnale, and her final goal was set up by Crugnale again.

Courtney Evans scored in the final period for the Panthers to complete the scoring and make it a one-goal game.

Sydney Helmbrecht had a strong outing in goal for the Nor'easters, coming up with 31 saves, including 12 in the first period when UNE was out-shot, 13-4. For the game Plymouth State held a 34-21 advantage in that category.

Ally Altschuler had 17 stops for the home team.

UNE will face a tough two-day NEHC road trip next Friday and Saturday with contests at the College of the Holy Cross and Saint Anselm College.