It was another exciting weekend of women’s hockey at the Alfond as the University of Maine Black Bears split a weekend series vs. Boston University and Boston College on Jan. 20 and 21.
The Boston University Terriers came to town on Friday with an in-conference record of 6-12-1, directly below Maine in the Hockey East standings in terms of points.
The Black Bears were eager to defend their spot in the standings, as they managed to find the twine just over three minutes into the game. Third-year forward Rahel Enzler struck a well-placed shot, allowing a strong rebound opportunity for second-year forward Mira Seregely, who took advantage of the opportunity for an early goal.
The Terriers answered back just over three minutes later when second-year forward Christina Vote forced a neutral zone turnover and created an opportunity for an unassisted goal.
BU would add to their lead only one minute later when third-year forward Lacey Martin scored top-shelf against Maine’s third-year goaltender, Anna Larose. Brooke Disher and Clara Yuhn were credited with assists for BU.
Just as things looked to be getting out of hand for the Black Bears after allowing two unanswered goals, they were able to compose themselves. The team was successful at remaining focused and creating chances to score despite what would ordinarily be a significant blow to morale.
This tenacity led to fifth-year forward Grace Heiting tying the game 18 minutes into the opening period after a brilliant cross-crease pass from fifth-year defender Emma Lange.
After a four-goal first period, the action slowed down considerably. It was Enzler who secured the lead for Maine after receiving a pass from behind the net. This was Enzler’s third point of the evening after previously tallying two assists.
From there, Maine attempted to play defensively and guarantee victory. These plans were thwarted, however, when fourth-year forward Julia Nearis tied the game on the power play early in the final frame.
The game remained tied for the rest of regulation and a scoreless overtime period. This officially ended the game in a 3-3 tie. However, BU was able to secure an extra point in the Hockey East standings with a shootout victory.
While this wasn’t exactly the result the Black Bears wanted, they knew they had to rebound before a challenging matchup against the No. 15 Boston College Eagles the following day.
BC entered the contest with a 12-8 conference record and an illustrious ranking in the top 25. Maine, however, was undaunted by the odds, as they found the back of the net first, just under 17 minutes into the first period.
It was Seregely who scored, as she got a hold of the puck in the corner and skated to the low slot before scoring glove side, unimpeded by any defender.
The next goal tied the game at one, as BC fourth-year forward Caroline DiFiore scored her first goal of the season for the Eagles in transition.
Contrary to Friday’s game, this contest remained a low-scoring affair, as the teams entered overtime still knotted at one goal apiece.
Fans would not have to wait long for a conclusion to this game, as Seregely scored her second goal of the night off of a rebound just 42 seconds into the overtime period to send Black Bear nation home happy. It was a huge weekend for the player as she racked up four points (three goals, one assist) to help the Black Bears attain a national rank of 19, where they sit as of Jan. 28, 2023.
Larose was splendid in net during the Saturday game, allowing just one goal on 36 shots. The Black Bears will look to defend this ranking going forward, and continue to surprise pundits across the world of collegiate hockey.
