BOSTON - Behind a pair of goals from Isabel Menard and Caroline Campbell's first collegiate tally, the No. 5/6 Boston University women's hockey team defeated New Hampshire, 5-2, on Saturday afternoon at Walter Brown Arena.
The Terriers trailed, 1-0, entering the second stanza, but a timely shorthanded strike by junior Jill Cardella evened the score and began a string of three goals in the middle frame to take the lead for good. Sophomore Kaleigh Fratkin and Menard also lit the lamp in the second period. Sophomore goaltender Kerrin Sperry made 18 saves to preserve the victory.
New Hampshire took a 1-0 lead with a power play strike at 8:42 of the first period when Heather Kashman deflected a Kristine Horn shot past Sperry. It was the first power play goal BU had allowed in the last 19 chances.
Cardella tied the score with a nifty shorthanded goal just 1:32 into the second stanza. She picked up a loose puck at the blue line and skated strong towards the net, ultimately sliding a backhander under the pads of Wildcat goaltender Jenn Gilligan (28 saves). It was Cardella's second goal in as many games. Freshman Kayla Tutino and senior Kasey Boucher added the assists.
At the 8:40 mark of the period, special teams once again factored in a Terrier goal, and this time it was the BU power play that did the damage. Menard dug the puck out of the right corner and got it to the point for Boucher, who threw a shot towards goal. Fratkin was positioned in the slot and was able to deflect it past Gilligan for her first goal of the season.
Menard's first goal of the game came with just 1:13 remaining in the second session. Sophomore Louise Warren forced a turnover at the UNH blue line, and Menard skated hard towards goal. The Ottawa, Ont., native eventually discovered a loose puck at the top of the crease, and she slid a backhander into the back of the net for her fourth goal of the season and the eventual game-winner.
The Wildcats made it a 3-2 game at the 5:58 mark of the third period when Horn scored the second power play goal of the game for UNH.
Campbell's goal came at the 14:26 mark of the third. Junior Cristina Wiley sent a shot-pass towards Campbell, who deflected it towards the net. The puck had eyes, as it trickled past Gilligan for the goal. Junior Kathryn Miller had the secondary helper on the play.
Menard tacked on an empty-netter with 49 seconds remaining in regulation. Senior Tara Watchorn collected her first assist of the season on the goal.
BU will conclude its three-game homestand next Saturday, when the Terriers host the Connecticut Huskies. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m.