WATERTOWN, Mass. – Freshman Dina Balsamo (Sterling Heights, Mich./Aston) scored in the 2^nd period, but RIT scored the deciding goal in the 3^rd as the Tigers defeated Bentley University 4-1 on Friday night in Atlantic Hockey action at the JAR.

After the Tigers jumped out a 2-0 first period lead, Bentley got back in it on Balsamo's 2^nd goal of the season at 11:45 of the 2^nd period. After a face-off win in the offensive zone, freshman Jake Kauppila (Gurnee, Illinois/Trail) had a shot on goal saved by RIT goalie Mike Rotolo. Balsamo though, got to the rebound and put it past Rotolo to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Neither team would score over the remainder of the period, in which Bentley had a 12-11 advantage in shots.

The score stayed that way well into the 3^rd, when matching penalties on both teams created a 4-on-4 situation. RIT, which scored its 2^nd goal 4-on-4, struck again in that situation. Off a face-off win in RIT's offensive zone, center Gabe Valenzuela lifted a wrist shot into the top of the net to give them a 3-1 lead.

Bentley would pull goalie Jayson Argue (Swan River, Manitoba/Nanaimo) for the extra-attacker with 1:19 left in an effort to get closer, but RIT's Erik Brown scored on a shot from center ice for its 4^th goal of the night.

Bentley, which dropped to 2-3-1 overall and 1-2 in Atlantic Hockey games, will look to gain a split of the series tomorrow night.