After the Bell: Union's Dutchwomen Silence RPI, Ending a Long Silence of Their Own

There are nights in sports when a victory feels like more than just two points in the standings; it feels like an exhale, a seismic shift in the air itself. Friday night at Messa Rink, that was precisely the sensation as Union College's women's hockey team, the ever-resilient Dutchwomen, finally, gloriously, put an end to a gnawing six-game losing streak. And who better to do it against, honestly, than their fiercest Capital Region rivals, RPI?

For a while now, you see, the Dutchwomen had been searching for that elusive spark, that moment when everything clicks. The Engineers, too, arrived at the rink hungry, perhaps even a bit desperate themselves, still chasing their first ECAC Hockey victory. This wasn't just another game on the schedule; it was a rivalry renewed, a battle for bragging rights, and in truth, a crucial chance for both sides to redefine their season's trajectory.

The game kicked off with a palpable energy. Union, it seemed, was determined to set the tone early. And they did. Just shy of the midway point in the first period, a power-play opportunity emerged — a chance to seize control. Riley Walsh, with assists from Emily King and Ashley Sennett, didn't waste it. She found the back of the net, giving Union a precious 1-0 lead. It was a moment that, you could say, loosened some of the tightly wound nerves in the arena, a clear statement of intent.

But then, as hockey often does, it threw a curveball in the second period. RPI, not to be outdone, capitalized on their own power play. Audrey McCutcheon, assisted by Marah Wagner and Katie Vates, tied the game. Suddenly, the air was thick again with uncertainty. Would Union falter? Would the momentum slip away, as it sometimes had in recent weeks? But no, not this time. Not on this night. Less than three minutes later, Anna Orvos, demonstrating sheer will and a keen eye, punched in what would become the game-winning goal. Grace Keene, Allison, and Jones all had a hand in setting up that pivotal moment, and just like that, the narrative shifted back in Union’s favor, 2-1.

The third period, frankly, was a clinic in defensive grit and — dare I say — a test of pure mental fortitude. RPI, knowing their fate hung in the balance, pushed hard, launching attack after attack. They even pulled their goalie, Amanda Rampado, in a desperate bid to find an equalizer, creating that nerve-wracking extra attacker scenario. But standing tall, a veritable wall in net, was Union's Sophie Matsoukas. She turned away shot after shot, finishing the night with a remarkable 28 saves. Every single stop felt monumental, a direct defiance of their recent struggles.

When the final buzzer blared, a wave of relief, joy, and sheer exhaustion washed over the Messa Rink. Union had held on. They had won. The 2-1 victory wasn't just a mark in the win column; it snapped that disheartening six-game skid and, perhaps even sweeter for the fans, broke an eight-game losing streak against RPI that had loomed large. For Coach Josh Barden's squad, now standing at 11-13-1 overall (3-9-0 ECAC Hockey), this win felt like a turning point, a testament to their unwavering spirit. And honestly? It was a joy to watch.