Statistics

BIDDEFORD, Maine – Alyssa Murphy scored two of three third-period goals for Western New England University as it battled back from a two-goal deficit to defeat the University of New England, 3-2, in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) women's ice hockey action on Saturday.
 
The Nor'easters close out the 2021 portion of their schedule at 3-7-0 overall and 3-5-0 in conference play. Western New England improves to 4-4-1 overall and 2-4-0 in CCC action.
 
Murphy got the scoring started for the Golden Bears at the 16:42 mark of the third as she intercepted a pass and weaved through a few Nor'easters defenders on her way to a goal to trim the deficit in half at 2-1. Natalie Parker tied it up near the midway point of the period as a pass by Katie Cronin ricocheted off her skate and into the goal.
 
With 3:03 left to play, Murphy picked the pocket of Avery Lutrzkowski near the blue line and scored the game-winner to the opposite corner of the net to complete the comeback.
 
UNE did all its damage in the first period. Lutrzkowski struck first with her second goal of the year with 5:43 to play in the frame as she took the puck along through the WNE defense and scored from close range [Watch]. Izzy Hendry assisted on the goal. Bella Crugnale made it 2-0 in favor of the Nor'easters with a blast from the slot that was initially stopped by Rieley Jessie-Gerelli, but trickled past her for the score [Watch]. Meghan Hamilton and Eliana Kane provided helpers on the goal.
 
The Nor'easters held a 45-20 advantage in shots on the day. Jessie-Gerelli made 43 saves for the Golden Bears. Kaleigh Laurendeau had 17 stops in the loss.
 
UNE is off until Jan. 2 when it visits Wesleyan in Middletown, Conn. Game time is set for 4 p.m.