WORCESTER, Mass. - The UConn Huskies fell to Holy Cross Friday evening by a final of 2-1. Freshman Jake Richard scored the lone goal for the Huskies.
From the first puck drop both teams were playing physical and fast. Holy Cross had multiple opportunities early on the score following a penalty by freshman Joey Muldowney, but sophomore goaltender Arsenii Sergeev and the Huskies defense battled and held the Crusaders scoreless. The Huskies had two power play opportunities during the first period but were held scoreless both times. Both teams entered the period break scoreless.
In the second period, a hooking penalty by Holy Cross gave the Huskies a man advantage early in the period. After winning the faceoff, freshman Jake Richard found himself in front of the goal and was able to bat home the rebound for the Huskies first goal of the night. With the goal, Jake Richard has four points in three games played. The Crusaders did not wait long to respond, tying the game five minutes after Richard's goal. Midway through the period, Tyler Ghiradosi was assessed a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct for a hit to the head on graduate student Jake Flynn. The Huskies were unable to find the back of the net while on the power play. Strong goaltending play kept the game tied as both teams entered the period break tied at 1. Through two periods, sophomore Arsenii Sergeev made 20 saves.
Holy Cross took the lead early in the third period on a shorthanded goal scored by Jack Ricketts. The Huskies finished the evening 1-5 on the power play. Holy Cross netminder Jason Grande, shut down the Huskies in the third period to secure the 2-1 victory.
UConn will be back in action tomorrow October 14 in Storrs, for the home opener at Toscano Family Ice Forum. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00pm and can be streamed live on ESPN+.
