Middlebury improved to 6-1-1 on the season as the third-ranked Panthers picked up a 3-0 win over fifth-ranked R.I.T. The Panthers return to action on Sunday when they host Utica, while R.I.T. visits Amherst.

Following a scoreless first period, the game was delayed for 20 minutes early in the second period due to a power outage. Four minutes later, Middlebury struck for three goals in a 4:43 span to take a 3-0 lead at the 10:22 mark. Julia Ireland scored on the power play after a shot from Jessica Bennett was saved. Erika Nakamura tipped in a shot from the outside for the second tally, while Nora Bergman scored when her shot deflected in off a defender. R.I.T. went 0/3 on the power play in the period, while the Panthers were 1/3.

Middlebury had a few chances to add to the lead in the third period, including a Nakamura shot off the crossbar, but could not increase their margin.

Lani Wright earned 21 saves in goal to pick up her first shutout of the season, including an impressive stop on a breakaway by Jerica Young. Sandra Grant made 22 stops for the Tigers.

Date: January 5, 2008 - 1:00 p.m.
Venue: Kenyon Arena - Site: Middlebury, Vt.

TEAM 1 2 3 OT F
R.I.T. (8-4) 0 0 0 - 0
Middlebury (6-1-1) 0 3 0 - 3

SCORING
M-2nd (5:39) - PP: Julia Ireland (Jessica Bennett, Kristen Wilson)
M-2nd (7:21) - Erika Nakamura (Randi Dumont, Nora Bergman)
M-2nd (10:22) - Bergman (Nakamura)

GOALTENDING (saves)
Lani Wright-M (60 min., 21 saves, 0 GA)
Sandra Grant-R (60 min., 22 saves, 3 GA)