Box Score

HENNIKER, N.H. -- Shannon Smith converted a penalty shot with 4:36 gone in the 3rd period for the game's only goal, as the University of New England secured a 1-0 New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) women's ice hockey victory over New England College on Friday evening (Feb. 19) at Lee Clement Arena.

After two scoreless frames where the Nor'easters (13-8-2) held a 35-15 advantage in shots, Smith was tripped on a breakaway chance and the team elected for her to go 1-on-1 instead of receiving a two-minute power play. The forward took care of business to put UNE ahead, finding the lower right corner with her attempt.

Sydney Helmbrecht made seven saves down the stretch to finish with 24 in the shutout for the visitors. Her counterpart on the other end, Lindsey Powers of NEC (8-15-1, 3-12-1 NEHC), logged 45 stops.

The result moves UNE (8-7-1 NEHC) into a tie for the fourth seed in the upcoming conference tournament. The Nor'easters stand level with Salve Regina University entering Saturday's final day of regular-season and own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Seahawks, who face Saint Michael's College (3-13 NEHC) to close out the schedule.

Big Blue will entertain the University of Massachusetts-Boston (11-5 NEHC) on Saturday at 3 p.m.