WORCESTER, Mass. - The Holy Cross women's hockey team fell to No. 7/9 Providence 5-2 Saturday evening at the Hart Center Rink. Freshmen Bryn Saarela and Lilly Feeney scored for the Crusaders, but it wasn't enough to take down the Friars.
After Providence jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first, Saarela and Feeney chipped in a pair of unassisted goals to take the lead into the first intermission. The first period was tightly contested with shots just in favor of the Friars, 16-14.
Providence picked up steam in the second, tying the game late in the frame. The Friars scored three in the final period, including an empty-netter, to claim the victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
1-0 PC (1st, 13:17, EV): When the puck appeared to be pinned against the side of the net, Caoline Peterson was somehow able to push it through for the game's opening goal.
1-1 HC (1st, 15:20, EV): Saarela tied the game just two minutes later when she caught up to a deflection on a breakaway and used an off-speed shot to beat the goalie.
2-1 HC (1st, 16:56, EV): After some confusion by the Friar defense off a faceoff in their zone, Feeney was able to tip the puck in as she reached across the crease.
2-2 PC (2nd, 17:31, EV): Late in the second, Providence tied the game at two off the stick of Hayley Lunny.
3-2 PC (3rd, 9:52, EV): Lindsay Bochna scored the eventual game-winner about halfway through the third.
4-2 PC (3rd, 17:00, EV): Bailey Burton added some insurance with three minutes to play.
5-2 PC (3rd, 18:44, EN): Lauren DeBlois wrapped up the scoring when she deposited an empty-net goal from her own defensive zone.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Jada Brenon made 43 saves on the night, her second-highest total of the season.
- Saarela's goal increased her team lead in both goals (5) and points (9).
- Feeney picked up her second goal of the season, moving her to third on the team with six points.
UP NEXT:
Holy Cross is next scheduled to take the ice Friday, Jan. 15 and Saturday, Jan. 16 in a home-and-home with Boston College.
