STORRS, Conn. - The Holy Cross women's ice hockey team defeated No. 15 Connecticut, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon. The Crusaders improve to 7-23-1, (6-19-0 Hockey East) and set a program record for Hockey East wins since joining the conference.
Holy Cross snapped Connecticut's 11-game series win streak as the Huskies fall to 16-12-4 overall and 10-11-4 in conference play.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Holy Cross jumped on the board first with a quick goal from senior Carly Beniek at 5:28 in the first period. She was assisted by junior Lilly Feeney and senior Darci Johal.
- Connecticut answered back quickly with a tip-in goal at 12:57.
- The teams entered the first intermission with a goal apiece. Connecticut led in shots, 9-8.
- Freshman Charlotte Sonntag regained the lead for the Crusaders with her first career goal at 10:09 in the second period. The goal was setup by sophomore Madison Michals who sent the puck into the attack zone with a swift behind-the-back pass to freshman Alexis Perry.
- UConn picked up a five-minute major at 17:20 in the second period. The Crusaders were unable to score another goal, setting both teams at full strength with just over 17 minutes remaining in the game.
- The Crusaders continued to play aggressive defense and continued creating more looks at the net throughout the third period.
- Holy Cross shut down the rest of UConn's scoring chances, taking a 2-1 victory over the No. 15 team in the country.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
- Beniek tallied her second goal of the season. Johal posted her seventh assist and Feeney recorded her fifth assist on the year.
- Sonntag earned her second point of the year with her first career goal. Perry recorded her third assist, while Michals earned her first.
- Junior goalie Madison Beck posted 31 saves adding to her season total (669). She owns a .924 save percentage with a goals-against average of 2.57.
- The Holy Cross defensive front tallied 14 blocks, including three in the final minute of play. Sophomore Carmen Elliott led the team with three.
UP NEXT:
- Holy Cross returns to action on Feb. 17 and 18 to continue the series with Connecticut. The Crusaders will return to Toscano Family Ice Forum for their final road game of the regular season. Puck drop is slated for 6 p.m. on Friday night.
- The following day, Holy Cross will host the Huskies for its final regular season contest. This will be senior night at the Hart Center Rink, with the members of the program's senior class being honored in a special pregame ceremony. The six Crusader seniors are Carly Beniek, Kailey Langefels, Mary Edmonds, Darci Johal, Sofia Smithson and Lily Cataldo. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m.
