WORCESTER, Mass. - The Holy Cross women's ice hockey team defeated Maine, 2-1, in overtime on Friday night. The Crusaders move to 6-21-1, (5-17-0 Hockey East) while the Black Bears fall to 13-15-2 overall and 10-11-2 in conference standings.
Holy Cross has tied the program record for most wins in Hockey East play since joining the conference for the 2018-19 season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The first period started fast, with both teams eager to find their rhythm. Holy Cross drew the first penalty of the game at 14:35. The Black Bears managed three shots on goal that were all turned aside by junior goalie Madison Beck.
- By the end of the first period, Maine led in shots 13-6.
- Holy Cross earned its first power play of the night at 1:44 in the second period after Maine was caught with too many skaters. The Crusaders couldn't convert the opportunity into points, keeping the game scoreless.
- Holy Cross' defense caused multiple turnovers, giving breakaway chances to the Crusaders throughout the second period. Maine's goalie Jorden Mattison held firm, not allowing the puck through.
- Holy Cross was awarded their second power play of the night late in the second period. Senior Mary Edmonds cashed in her ninth goal of the season off a rebound from senior Darci Johal. Senior Sofia Smithson was credited with the second assist.
- Maine answered back quickly, finding the equalizing goal at 0:48 in the third period. The teams fought back and forth to find the lead, but the score remained tied at the end of regulation.
- Freshman Alexia Moreau sent in the game-winning goal at 2:37 in the overtime period. Sophomore Emilie Fortunato and junior Lilly Feeney tallied assists.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
- Beck posted 35 saves adding to her season total (631). She owns a .927 save percentage and 2.50 goals-against average after 21 games.
- Edmonds adds to her career-high season total with 14 points, leading the team. Additionally, she leads the Crusaders in goals with nine.
- Moreau owns the second-highest goal total with seven. She leads the freshmen class in points with eight. Moreau is tied with Edmonds for most game-winning goals with two apiece.
- Smithson recorded her ninth assist of the season. She now holds the second-highest point total with 12, while Johal holds the third-highest (10) after adding her sixth assist on the year.
- Fortunato collected her second assist on the season, while Feeney tallied her fourth.
- Sophomore Emma Min tallied a game-high six blocks. She continues to lead the team with 47 on the year.
UP NEXT:
- Holy Cross returns to action on Sunday, Feb. 5 as they face New Hampshire for the third and final meeting between the two programs this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m.
