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Women’s hockey is headed back to the Beanpot final to defend their title after beating rival Boston University, 3-2, in a nail-biter Tuesday evening.
The Eagles struck first only 1:17 in with sophomore MaKenna Newkirk scoring on a 2-on-1 break and holding the lead for the first period. But the second period brought a change of pace for the Eags when they allowed two goals from BU–both of which were scored while the Eags were serving penalties.
Coach Katie Crowley, fortunately, was able to regroup the team. “I told them to take a deep breath, and that everything was going to be all right. If we won the third period, we’d win the game.” Considering the Terriers handed the Eags one of their only three losses of the season several months ago, a lot was on the line.
And Crowley’s team retaliated, coming back out ready to battle and out-shooting BU 12-4. Makenna Newkirk was able to capitalize on a power play 7:49 into the period to record the equalizing goal, getting BC back into the game reenergized.
Just when it looked like the game would head into overtime, with under three minutes remaining, Caitrin Lonergan, off a shot from defenseman Megan Keller, was able to stuff the puck under BU goalie Victoria Hanson. This gave the Eagles the final edge at 3-2.
In this historic tournament, the Terriers have only beaten the Eagles once since 1995—in 2008’s first round. “It’s unfortunate that whatever it is in this tournament, demons or kryptonite, it continued tonight,” said BU Head Coach Brian Durocher. “We just can’t seem to get it done.”
The Eagles will face Northeastern next week, who fell to Boston College in last year's Beanpot final, 7-0. A win for the Eags would extend the winning streak to six straight times.
When asked what it meant to her, goalie Katie Burt said, “It’s not every day you get to play in the championships, and you have to cherish it.”
Coach Crowley added that “The Beanpot is an unbelievable tournament, and all four teams are great teams. For us, it helps because we get to play a tournament before our playoffs, and we get that feel of a tournament. Playing in a tournament to be the best in Boston is something you want to get every year and it obviously is great.”
The Eagles will face the Huskies February 7 at 7:30 p.m.
