SASKATOON - University of Saskatchewan goaltender Jessica Vance recorded her third straight shutout in a 2-0 Huskies' win over the No. 3 ranked UBC Thunderbirds Friday night in Rutherford Rink.
The second-year goaltender made six saves in the first period, two in the second period and five in the final frame for the 13 save shutout. It is her seventh of the season moving her to fourth on the Canada West season total list and first for the Huskies.
With the win, the Huskies improve to 15-7-1. UBC drops to 16-5-2. Both UBC and Saskatchewan have clinched home playoff spots.
Leah Bohlken opened the scoring at 15:01 in the second period when she found a loose puck on a long rebound. Coming down from the point, her shot beat UBC netminder Tory Micklash stick side into the top of the net.
The Huskies took a 2-0 lead on the power play after a one-timer from Emma Nutter beat Micklash through traffic at 6:40 in the third. Nutter had come streaking off the bench just seconds before.
UBC pulled Micklash with 3:01 left in the third period to try to cut the Huskies' lead. The best chance came with a minute left when Cassandra Vilgrain was left at the side of the net. Vance was able to get across to stop the shot with her right pad.
The Huskies missed the empty net three times before the buzzer.
Micklash made 16 saves in the loss.
The two teams meet again Saturday in Rutherford Rink. Puck drop is 7 p.m.