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PRINCETON, N.J. (2/28/09) – Backstopped by a 32-save performance by Sonja van der Bliek, RPI defeated Princeton 1-0 in game two of the women’s ECAC Hockey Quarterfinals.  The win advances the Engineers in the playoffs, while the Tigers end their season with an 18-11-2 record.

The first period was an evenly played game, with each team having seven shots on net. RPI’s Melissa Boik was able to convert on its first power-play opportunity in what would be the only goal of the game. Set-up in formation, Sierra Vadner had the puck on the left side near the team benches, and slipped the puck across the ice to Boik who rifled it towards the net where it found its way through traffic and behind netminder Kristen Young.

The final two periods were lopsided in favor of the Tigers but van der Bliek couldn’t be stopped. In the second period, Princeton out shot RPI, 13-1 thanks to three power-play chances.  The Tigers best opportunity came on its second man-advantage opportunity of the half, midway of the second stanza.  The Tigers pounded the net but couldn’t sneak one by the stingy defense.

The Tigers wouldn’t go away without a fight, and the squad gave everything it had in the final period, as shots stood 12-4. Freshman Julie Johnson and senior Christine Foster each had solid chances to put the Tigers on the scoreboard within seconds of each other around the eight-minute mark. Johnson had a shot ring off the left post and Foster ran the puck down and sent it back in on net.

With 2:20 remaining, Young was sent to the bench in favor of the extra attacker. Princeton continued to pepper the net with shots, with three of the five being blocked by the defense. Young finished the night with 11 saves.

Princeton went 0-for-7 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill.