After a win at home on Friday, Boston College women’s hockey looked to close out a home-and-home series against Merrimack with a win away from its home ice on Saturday.
In its third-to-last game of the season, BC (19–12, 16–8 Hockey East) and Merrimack (5–23–1, 4–19–1) met for the third and final time of the 2021–22 season. BC defeated Merrimack 3–2 to close out its season sweep of the Warriors.
Merrimack and BC held equal possession of the puck throughout the first period at Lawler Rink. Much of the frame passed without any penalties until the 17th minute, when officials sent both BC’s Hannah Bilka and Merrimack’s Gabby Jones to the box for roughing. Neither team executed on the 4-on-4 play, and the period ended scoreless.
Despite only two penalties in the first frame, officials called a combined 11 penalties in the next two periods—six against Merrimack and five against BC. Two penalties came against BC’s Maddie Crowley-Cahill, who leads the NCAA in penalties this season with 19.
At even strength, BC’s Caroline Goffredo opened the scoring in the second period. Merrimack followed her goal with 30 seconds left in the second frame, though, as Madison Oelkers tied up the scoring while on the power play.
The third frame began tied at 1–1 with BC on the penalty kill after officials called Crowley-Cahill for slashing—her first of two penalties of the night. In the 15th minute, Sidney Fess scored to put the Eagles up 2–1. Thirty-one seconds later, Merrimack’s Teghan Inglis tied the game back up at three.
With 1:18 left to play, BC’s Kelly Browne took advantage of Merrimack’s inability to control the puck in its zone and broke the tie, handing BC its third win against Merrimack of the season. With her goal, Browne recorded her eighth career game-winning goal. With one goal and an assist on the night, she achieved her 30th multi-point game and extended her points streak to six games.
Heading into its final two games of the season—a series against Vermont—BC has won nine of its last 10 games. BC fell to the Catamounts 3–1 earlier this season.
Featured Image by Chris Ticas / Heights Staff
