BOSTON - The Holy Cross women's ice hockey team defeated, Boston University, 3-2, at Frozen Fenway in Fenway Park on Friday, Jan. 6. The Crusaders move to 3-18-1 (2-14-0 Hockey East) while the Terriers fall to 7-13-0 overall and 6-10-0 in Hockey East play.
The Crusaders' victory is the first of 2023 and the first victory over Boston University since Holy Cross and BU announced the return of the Turnpike Trophy rivalry.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Both teams spent the first minutes after puck drop adjusting to the outdoor conditions along the backdrop of the Green Monster in Fenway Park.
- Freshman defenseman Casey Borgiel fired a shot from the point that deflected off a Boston University defender and through the legs of BU goalie Andrea Brändli to put the Crusaders on the board first. Borgiel was assisted by senior Mary Edmonds and junior Lilly Feeney at 5:35 in the first period.
- The Terriers received the first power play opportunity of the night at 16:10 in the first period. They managed three shots that were all blocked by the Crusader defensive front.
- Boston University drew a penalty at 18:10 followed by a five-minute major at 19:04 giving the Crusaders a five-on-three advantage, but the 'Saders were unable to turn the shot opportunities into points.
- Boston University evened the score at 12:04 in the second. Sydney Healey sent in a shot that was saved by junior goalie Madison Beck and immediately rebounded by Clara Yuhn, who found the back of the net.
- Holy Cross regained the lead and momentum with a breakaway goal from senior Darci Johal at 13:34 in the second period. She intercepted a pass in the neutral zone, made a move on the defender and sent in a wrist shot to the left side of the net.
- The Terriers had their final power play opportunity of the game early in the third period. They managed one shot on goal that was turned away by Beck.
- Freshman Alexia Moreau scored the game-winning goal at 17:07 in the third. Junior Millie Sirum skated the puck across the ice with a two-on-one advantage, feeding it to Moreau who took the shot in front of the net. The puck hit the cross bar and fell straight down to extend the Crusaders' lead to two.
- Boston University pulled the goalie at 18:14 giving the Terriers an extra skater. Clare O'Leary managed a goal with just over a minute left in regulation, but the Holy Cross defense battled until the horn to secure the victory.
- The Crusaders tallied 16 blocked shots on the night, with eight of them in the third period and six in the final five minutes of play.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
- Borgiel posted her second goal of the season. She owns six points on the year, the team's third highest total.
- Edmonds extended her point streak to four games with an assist on Borgiel's goal. She owns the team-high point total (9) and total goals (5).
- Feeney tallied her third assist, raising her season-point total to four.
- Johal sent a puck in the net for the first time since the season opener. She recorded an assist against the Terriers in their first meeting this season.
- Moreau posted her fifth goal on the season with the game-winner. She ties Edmonds for most goals on the team.
- Sirum took top rank adding her sixth assist, while Smithson added her fifth assist on the season. The pair own the team's second highest point total with eight apiece.
- Beck posted 24 saves, adding to her season total (463). She owns a 2.67 goals against average with a save percentage of .920 for the year.
- The Holy Cross' penalty kill unit continues to prove strong. In their last eight contests, the Crusaders have killed 14 of 17 power play attempts. The last power play goal allowed was from Franklin Pierce on Nov. 26.
UP NEXT:
- Holy Cross will return to action on Jan. 13 and 14 for a two-game homestead.
- On Friday, the Crusaders will host Boston University for the final Turnpike Trophy matchup between the two programs this season. Puck drop is slated for 1 p.m.
- On Saturday, Holy Cross will face the Boston College Eagles at 6 p.m. in the Hart Center.
