PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Providence College women's ice hockey team defeated ECAC opponent Union College, 4-0, on Sunday, Nov. 25. The Friars hosted the Dutchwomen in an afternoon match-up. The win moves the Friars overall record to 8-5-4 and marks their sixth win at home this season.
The Friars got out to an early lead with a goal 18:02 of the first period. Sophomore Beth Hanrahan (Poolesville, Md.) notched her second goal of the weekend and sixth of the season, when she lifted a puck past Union goaltender Shenae Lundberg. Hanrahan was assisted on the play by senior Emily Groth (Monona, Wisc.).
Just 1:40 later at 17:42 of the first period the Friars extended their lead, 2-0, when sophomore Brooke Simpson (Boxborough, Mass.) received the puck from freshman Molly Illikainen (Grand Rapids, Minn.) and fired it home. Simpson tallied her second goal of the season the play.
Before the conclusion of the first period the Friars tallied another goal to give them a comfortable 3-0 lead. After sophomore Victoria Virtue (Walpole, Mass.) and freshman Brittney Thunstrom (Coon Rapids, Minn.) exchanged the puck along the boards, Illikainen picked it up and came around the top of the circle to fire one past Lundberg. The goal marked Illikainen's second point of the game and 11th of the season.
After back and forth action from both teams, the second period went scoreless. Freshman goaltender Sarah Bryant (Bethlehem, Pa.) made seven saves during the second period to keep the score 3-0.
At 13:32 of the third period the Friars notched their fourth and final goal of the game. Hanrahan collected the puck from junior Corinne Buie (Edina, Minn.) and ripped a shot that went high glove side before hitting the crossbar and making its way to the back of the net.
Even though the Union Dutchwomen outshot the Friars, 24-17, they could not find a way to beat Bryant, who earned her first career shutout with the 4-0 victory.
The Friars are back in action on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7:00 p.m. when they host No. 5 Boston University before wrapping up their Hockey East series with the Terriers in Boston on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 3:00 p.m.