WORCESTER, Mass. -- The Assumption University women's ice hockey team scored two goals in the third period to hand Franklin Pierce their first New England Women's Hockey Alliance defeat of the year, with a 3-1 final score Saturday evening at the Worcester Ice Center.
THE BASICS
Score: Assumption University 3, Franklin Pierce University 1
Records: Greyhounds (8-4-1, 8-2-0 NEWHA) | Ravens (9-7-0, 9-1-0 NEWHA)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Assumption came out strong in the opening period, outshooting Franklin Pierce 11-8 while generating several early scoring opportunities. The Greyhounds tested Ravens goaltender Delaney Lawn throughout the frame, but were unable to break through.
Leila Fournier was equally impressive between the pipes, turning aside all eight shots she faced, including five during a Franklin Pierce power play late in the period, keeping the contest scoreless heading into the first intermission.
The Greyhounds wasted little time getting on the scoreboard in the second period, as
Sydney Burnevik netted her third goal of the season just 1:06 into the frame off an assist from
Kayla McGaffigan, giving Assumption a 1-0 advantage. Franklin Pierce attempted to respond, but Fournier continued her strong performance, recording eight saves in the period. Despite being outshot 8-8 in the frame, Assumption carried its one-goal lead into the final 20 minutes.
Assumption increased its offensive pressure early in the third period, generating several quality scoring opportunities, but Lawn kept the Ravens within striking distance. Franklin Pierce eventually broke through at 9:10, as Anna Caumo scored her 11th goal of the season off assists from Caleigh Murphy and Lilah Bauer to even the contest at 1-1.
The Greyhounds continued to attack following the equalizer, and their persistence paid off at 16:01, when
Allison Ryan scored her second goal of the season off assists from
Caroline Lilley and
Lauryn Broecker, giving Assumption a 2-1 advantage. Franklin Pierce pulled its goaltender late in the contest in an attempt to force overtime, but
Ava McGaffigan sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 19:21 off an assist from Ryan, securing the 3-1 win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Ryan led the Greyhounds with a goal and an assist, including the game-winning tally, while Burnevik and McGaffigan each added a goal.
- Lilley paced Assumption with five shots on goal, while Ryan, Alexi Kirkeby, and Justina Valentini recorded four apiece.
- Fournier delivered a strong performance in net, finishing with 25 saves to earn her third win of the season.
- Assumption outshot Franklin Pierce 37-26, including an 18-10 advantage in the third period. The Greyhounds also recorded 11 blocked shots and successfully killed both Ravens power-play opportunities.
- Franklin Pierce still leads the all-time series 8-4-2.
UP NEXT
- Assumption vs. Stonehill College, Friday, November 20, 4:30 pm.
- Franklin Pierce vs. LIU, Friday, November 20, 4:00 pm.
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