Pittsburgh, PA - On Friday, the Cougars (1-6-0, 0-3-0) faced off against Manhattanville (1-4-0, 1-2-0) in their conference home opener. They lost a hard-fought game by a score of 2-1. 

The Cougars came out rolling in the first period. In her first period back, Klara Miuller set the tone, scoring her 1st goal of the season, putting the Cougars up 1-0. Miuller's goal was assisted by Chelsea Clark and Sarah Doherty. Chatham withstood the relentless Manhattanville attack as they tried to even the game. Cougars' goaltender Sam Brophy stood on her head, remaining perfect with 9 saves. 

Following the first intermission, the Valiants regrouped and put the pedal to the metal. They would even the score 1-1, following a power-play goal one minute into the frame. The Cougars didn't help themselves by taking two back-to-back minor penalties, leaving the Valiants the opportunity to take the lead with a 5-on-3 power play. The Cougars killed off both penalties without giving up a goal, thanks to their calm defensive approach and strong position leading to key blocks and big saves. The teams traded chances and opportunities, but they went to the locker room, tied at one goal apiece, setting up for a crucial third period of play. 

In the third, the Cougars killed off an early penalty and swung the momentum in their favor, but couldn't convert. Manhattanville took the lead halfway through the frame, scoring at even strength. The Cougars kept fighting, winning the next couple of shifts. After a late timeout, Chatham pulled the goalie in favor of an extra attacker. The Cougars threw everything they had at the net but to no avail, with the buzzer signaling a tough luck 2-1 loss. 

As a team, the Cougars held the high-flying Valiants' power play at bay, holding them to one conversion in six opportunities. Sophomore Avelyn Higgins led the game with 6 blocks. Goaltender Sam Brophy made 38 saves and finished the game with a .950 SV%. 

The Cougars have a quick turnaround, facing off against Manhattanville in game two of their series tomorrow, November 21. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 pm at the Alpha Ice Complex, right here in Pittsburgh, PA.