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BIDDEFORD, Maine -- The University of New England struck three times in a span of 6:18 around the middle of the opening period and defeated Nichols College by a 3-1 margin in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) women's ice hockey action on Saturday night (Jan. 20). Amanda Forziati scored the signature goal of the 8th Annual Teddy Bear Toss, which was organized by the Harold Alfond Forum Building Managers and benefits both the Southern Maine Health Center and Make-A-Wish Maine.

Having already rung the pipe on a shot, and after a brief 5-on-3 advantage, the Nor'easters (7-8-3, 6-3-3 CCC) were in the waning seconds of the power play when Forziati broke the seal at the 6:29 mark of the 1st frame. Jamie Ryan started the scoring play behind her cage and chipped it off the wall to Anna O'Neill to enter the offensive zone in transition; O'Neill centered it to Lainie Lemieux, whose shot was saved, and the rebound fell right in front of Forziati to poke over the goalie [Watch]. It was the third tally of the year for Forziati, who is the second rookie women's side to net the Teddy Bear Toss goal. For O'Neill, it is the second straight season assisting on the TBT score.

The slight delay to clean up the ice didn't slow any momentum for the hosts, as Danielle McCarthy got on the board only 29 seconds later to double the cushion. Following a dump into the corner, Keely Kasputis and Adria Tebo won battles behind the net and Tebo's effort slid the puck out in front for McCarthy to one-time over the shoulder of the goalie inside the far post [Watch]. It was the first collegiate goal for the sophomore.

The Nor'easters padded the lead to 3-0 when the line of O'Neill, Lemieux, and Forziati connected again. Lemieux pushed an offensive zone faceoff into the corner and Forziati collected it there for a feed to O'Neill in front; because of the angle, O'Neill had to switch to a backhand attempt that was stopped, and Lemieux stuffed home the rebound at the right post for her fourth score of the campaign [Watch].

Nichols managed to get one right back before the intermission (16:02) when Melissa Montesi passed in front for a finish by Kayla Currin.

The 3-1 spread for UNE came with a 14-3 edge in shots on goal through 20 minutes.

The defenses won out the rest of the way, which was good enough for the home squad. Delanie Corcoran turned in 13 saves in the victory, and Eliana Kane helped by blocking three chances before they reached Corcoran.

On the other end for the Bison (7-10-0, 1-10-0), McKenzie Muir had 27 stops. Rhea Bullens totaled four blocked shots in support.

The Nor'easters have their last non-league contest on Tuesday at Bowdoin College.