ASTON, Pa. - The Neumann University women's ice hockey team dropped an intense game versus United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) rival Stevenson University on Friday evening by a score of 3–1.

Kyleigh Prance scored Neumann's lone goal on the evening, while Helen Cooney made 40 saves in goal in a losing effort.

With both teams fighting for the last spot in the UCHC playoffs, the game felt almost like a postseason contest from the opening whistle. The ice was tilted toward the Neumann end early, with Stevenson registering 13 first frame shots compared to just four for the Knights. The Mustangs were rewarded for their shot dominance midway through the period, scoring on a power play to take an early 1-0 lead. The visitors could have added to their advantage were it not for stellar goaltending from Cooney, who shut the door the rest of the period to keep the game at just 1-0 after one.

Needing to find some life in the second period, the Knights found their skating legs and got their way back into the game. Neumann registered 13 shots in the stanza and tallied an equalizer at the six minute mark. A Braeden Ott stretch pass found its way to a streaking Prance in behind the Mustang defense and the sophomore forward made no mistake on the breakaway, firing high over the Stevenson goalie's glove to tie the contest at 1-1. Cooney continued her outstanding play in goal in the period, stopping all 16 shots she faced to keep the game level heading to the third.

Unfortunately for the Knights, the team's positive momentum would not last into the third period. Stevenson dominated the final frame, doubling the Knights in shots by a count of 14-7. The Mustangs finally solved Cooney at the 8:53 mark, banging home a loose puck in the crease to take a 2-1 lead. Neumann tried to claw its way back into the contest, but a third Stevenson goal on a breakaway at 16:19 sealed the win for the visitors.

Neumann (6-16-0, 5-10-0 UCHC) will head to Stevenson tomorrow evening at 7:00 PM to close out the home and home series. The Knights will need at least a tie to keep their postseason hopes alive.