Saturday’s game was the final regular season home matchup for the No. 6 Boston College women’s hockey team, marking the last time that seven seniors would play in Conte Forum’s Kelley Rink as the team took on BU.
“These seniors have done a tremendous amount of work for our program, college, and community,” said head coach Katie King Crowley. “It will be sad when they are gone, but we still have plenty of games to play.”
The local rivalry was evident from the start as the first period was extremely physical. Both teams were playing for more than just the win-they had their city on the line.
From the high intensity came a penalty issued to BU’s Maddie Elia at 10:32 for tripping, but the Eagles were unable to covert for that power play was killed.
While the Terriers’ attack was strong late in the first period with some challenging shots, Boyles was at her best, keeping the Eagles’ deficit at one. In net for BU was Kerrin Sperry, who ended the period with 15 saves while Boyles tallied seven.
Around the 10-minute mark of the second period, another penalty from BU’s Maddie Elia led to a man advantage for BC. The Eagles were able to capitalize on this powerplay, as freshman Andie Anastos got a shot passed Sperry in the ninth minute tying the game at 1-1. While trying to close out the second period with a tie score and a bit of momentum, though, BC’s pressure led to a penalty issued on Kate Leary for tripping.
BU was able to benefit from the penalty as Louise Warren scored with less than a minute left in the period, bringing the final tally after the second to BC 1, BU 2.
BU didn’t relent during the third period, and high attack in the 13th minute led to an important save by Boyles to keep the Eagles in the game. The BC attack was able to acquire some potential opportunities as well, and at the 8:14 mark in the third period, Lexi Bender hit a blistering slapshot in the top left corner, tying up the score once more.
As the final moments of the game were quickly approaching, BC was looking for any chance that could get it the win and avoid the game going into overtime. With five seconds left in the game, Anastos was able to find salvation for the Eagles by scoring her second goal of the day.
“They scored first and sometimes that can set you back, but I’m proud of how our girls kept with it and the seniors were able to get the win for their last game here in Kelley Rink,” Crowley said.
With seven seniors leaving after this season, Anastos’ performance gives supporters a sign of reassurance that the future will continue to be successful for the BC women’s ice hockey program.
On Sunday, the Eagles took on Boston University in Agganis Arena, earning their second win of the weekend over the Terriers by a score of 5-1. Leary, Anastos, Taylor Wasylk, Haley Skarupa, and Emily Phalzer each scored for the Eagles in the complete team effort, and Boyles continued her solid performance in net with 26 saves.
