ITHACA, N.Y. (Interstat) — Vermont will look to carry its fast start into a women’s NCAA Division I hockey game at Cornell on Friday at Lynah Rink. The Catamounts are 3-1 this season, while Cornell is 0-0. Vermont has won three of its first four games and will face a Cornell program playing its opener. The Big Red were last seen in a 5-1 win at Quinnipiac in their most recent game. Cornell will be at home in Ithaca, where Lynah Rink traditionally gives the Big Red a strong home-ice advantage. Vermont has shown early scoring balance and reliable goaltending.

Tara Bach is the player to watch for Vermont. The Catamounts goaltender has been sharp in her recent starts, posting 80 saves on 83 shots over her last three appearances. She made 19 saves in a 4-0 win at Franklin Pierce in Vermont’s most recent game. Bach also stopped all 36 shots she faced in a 3-0 win against Minnesota-Duluth and turned aside 25 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss to Minnesota-Duluth. Rose-Marie Brochu and Hilary Wilkin also contributed in the latest win, with each scoring once against Franklin Pierce. Brochu added a shot and a hit, while Wilkin recorded three shots. Vermont earlier beat Franklin Pierce 2-1 and opened the season with a 3-0 victory over Minnesota-Duluth before falling 3-2 in overtime to the Bulldogs.

Cornell will counter with a lineup eager to begin its season. The Big Red closed their most recent campaign with a convincing road win at Quinnipiac, scoring five goals. Cornell’s schedule will quickly intensify, with a trip to Boston College following the Vermont series. Vermont’s upcoming slate includes a second game at Cornell and a pair of games at Boston College. The Catamounts will aim to keep their early momentum going against an opponent that has yet to play this season.

The matchup features Vermont’s goaltending against a Cornell team searching for game rhythm in its opener. The Catamounts have allowed only four goals through four games, while scoring 11. Bach has been especially effective, with 80 saves on 83 shots over her last three appearances. Cornell will look to use its home crowd and depth to pressure Vermont early. Both teams will also be mindful of a quick turnaround, with the series continuing the following day. Vermont will continue its schedule later in the month.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Cornell to defeat Vermont 5-2. The projection gives the Big Red a three-goal edge in their season opener at Lynah Rink.