ORONO, Maine- The University of Maine women’s ice hockey team got on the board quickly, but the quick lead didn’t matter in the end as they fell 5-1 to St. Lawrence on Saturday afternoon. With the loss the Black Bears drop to 6-10-2, while the No. 7-ranked Saints improve to 14-5-1.

Just 46 seconds into the game the Black Bears capitalized on their first shot on net with a goal from sophomore Vanessa Vani (St. Catherines, Ontario). The goal, Vani’s ninth of the season, gave the Black Bears their first lead of the weekend.

Blueliner Chantal Jaillet (St. Edouard de Kent, N.B.) passed the puck to Vani from the point, giving her the helper on the Black Bears only goal. At 12:01 of the first period the Saints evened the score with a goal from Annie Guay. Guay took the initial shot from the point, which was saved by Maine goaltender Rachel Gettings (Watervliet, N.Y.). Abbie Bullard got the rebound and fed it back to Guay who took another shot, this time beating Gettings for the goal.

Sabrina Harbec recorded two goals in the second period to make it 3-1 entering the final frame. St. Lawrence took the lead at 12:31 of the second period with a power-play goal by Harbec. Harbec took a shot drawing Gettings low to make the save, she then got her own rebound and lifted the puck into the open portion of the net. Harbec notched her second goal of the period scoring with just 24 seconds remaining in the period. Lisa Batchelor passed the from the red line across the crease to a waiting Harbec. Before Gettings could get in position Harbec quickly fired on net. Crystal Connors also had an assist on the goal for her eighth of the season.

Tara Akstull scored a goal at 8:20 of the third period to make it 4-1. Harbec and Julia Palmateer recorded the assists on the play. With just under ten minutes to play Maine’s Taryn Peacock was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for hitting from behind. Just 44 seconds into the one skater advantage Batchelor tallied a goal to break open a four goal deficit. Guay took a slapshot, which was deflected in by Batchelor. Harbec assisted on this play as well giving her two assists and two goals in the game. The Saints outshot the Black Bears once again, 29 to 12. Gettings made 29 saves in the game for the Black Bears, while rookie Maxie Weisz totaled 12 for the Saints.

The Black Bears return will enjoy a long holiday break, returning to action with a two game series at New Hampshire on Jan. 12 and 13. Gametimes are 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively. For more information, please visit our website at www.goblackbears.com or call 581-BEAR.