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BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Maddie Pope score twice in the 3rd period as Western New England University separated itself from the University of New England for a 4-1 result in teh Conference of New England (CNE) women's ice hockey opener on Friday night (Nov. 7) at the Harold Alfond Forum.

Things were even through 40 minutes until Pope netted the go-ahead goal 2:15 into the final frame, tipping in a centering feed from Mikayla Mrzywka after a UNE turnover in the defensive zone. Ava Camelio then converted on a power play chance with a blue-line slap shot through a screen with 9:07 gone to make it 3-1, and Pope capped the scoring with just over two minutes remaining.

The only goal of the 1st stanza went to the visitors at the 7:28 mark, as from Kaylin O'Connor while on her knees made it through the crease for a one-timer by Ziya Damas.

The Nor'easters were back level at 13:04 in the 2nd, though, on a goal by Averi Curran. The lone tally in the 2nd started in the defensive end, when Danielle McCarthy stepped in a passing lane and batted the puck ahead while falling to the ice; by then, Curran was in full stride and wristed one just under the crossbar [Watch].

A few minutes later, Danielle DeJon made a key stop to keep the game tied, denying a breakaway try from Valerie DuVal with a right pad kick [Watch]. DeJon ended up with 26 saves for UNE (1-2, 0-1 CNE), and received three blocked shots in support from Jamie Ryan.

Rachael Irving turned away 24 shots between the pipes for the Golden Bears (3-0, 1-0).

The teams will square off again in Massachusetts on Saturday.