Statistics

HARRISVILLE, R.I. – Mel McAleer scored twice for the second day in-a-row, including the game-winner, as Nichols topped the University of New England women's ice hockey team, 3-2, on Saturday afternoon in a Colonial Hockey Conference (CHC) matchup at Levy Rink.
 
The victory clinched the second seed and a first-round bye in the upcoming league tournament for the Bison (14-8-3, 8-3-1 CHC), while UNE (15-9-1, 5-6-1 CHC) will be the fifth seed.
 
The Nor'easters built a 2-0 lead 3:38 into the second period on a couple goals by Katie Babineau, with assisted to Alyssa Roof, Carly Perreault, Meagan Accardi, and Bella Crugnale.

McAleer scored on a breakaway later in the frame to cut the deficit to one. Katelyn Joyal knotted the game 2-2 with an unassisted tally with 15 seconds left in the middle period. Kelly Ferreira found McAleer for the game-winner at the 4:44 mark of the third.
 
Cassandra Goyette made 27 saves for the hosts. Julia Benjamin at 24 stops for the Nor'easters.
 
The Nor'easters will begin the CHC Championship on the road at fourth-seeded SUNY Canton next Saturday at 4 p.m., with the winner heading to the semifinals on March 3 at Endicott College.