BOSTON - The Boston University women's ice hockey team skated to a 1-1 overtime tie Saturday at Agganis Arena in the teams' first ever appearance at Jack Parker Rink. Freshman Jillian Kirchner scored the Terriers' lone goal in the first period, marking the seventh time she has notched a point in the past eight games and second consecutive game with a goal.
Although Boston University out-shot the Black Bears 46-20, the Terriers could not seem to find their way past Maine junior goaltender Genevieve Turgeon. BU applied significant pressure on the Black Bear defense in the first period, firing off 19 shots on goal. However, Turgeon held fast, blocking all but one of the Terriers' first period attempts.
In the second and third periods, Maine seemed to solve the BU offense, as the shots became much sparser. Several Terrier breakaways, including attempts by sophomores Jonnie Bloemers and Melissa Anderson, were deftly halted by the Maine defense.
BU had ample opportunities to score the game-winner during overtime, playing on the power play for almost two minutes during the extra period. But the team's attempts again fell off mark or were smothered by Turgeon.
Kirchner's goal came 6:46 into the game, as junior co-captain Sarah Russell collected a pass from sophomore Sarah Appleton at the top of the left circle. Russell then sent a crossing pass to the opposite corner, where Kirchner eluded several Maine defenders and deposited the puck in the goaltender's five-hole. Kirchner also score the Terriers' lone goal last Sunday in a 3-1 loss at Providence.
The Black Bears' score came on a one-timer by freshman Jennie Gallo from sophomore Amy Stech, a play that has plagued BU several times in the past two games. Stech sent an outlet pass to Gallo at the top of the right circle, who then rocketed a shot on junior Allyse Wilcox's glove side, just off the ice, with 2:02 left to play in the second period.
The two teams meet again tomorrow afternoon, with a 3:00 p.m. face-off at Walter Brown Arena. It will be the final game of the season between the conference rivals.