Statistics
GORHAM, Maine -- Rookie forward
Lucey Jean scored with 1:12 elapsed in overtime to give the University of New England women's ice hockey team a 1-0 triumph against the University of Southern Maine as the 2026-27 season began for both programs on Friday (Oct. 30) at USM Ice Arena.
Scoreless after 60 minutes, the deciding play came after the Huskies caught a piece of the iron on the other end.
Amanda Forziati worked herself free to setup Jean and the first-year opened her UNE account to send the visitors off with the win.
Shot attempts through two periods were 45-18 in favor of the hosts, with
Kyleigh Matola tallying 20 saves.
"As always, USM brings a fast, physical game, year after year, making it a great matchup," shared UNE head coach Cassandra Sherman. "They came out and pushed us to match a high pace for the full three periods. Averi Curran set a tone for us to raise our level and keep competing. Kyleigh had a strong presence in net tonight to help manage their speed, and then in OT, we got a little finesse from Amanda and Lucey buried the goal to seal it."
The Nor'easters had the better of the chances in 3rd, but overall shots on target still wound up at 25-18 for Southern Maine.
Matola's 25 stops were good for the sophomore's fourth career shutout. UNE's defensive effort included 17 blocked shots, as well, topped by the three from
Emily LeBrun.
Maggie Jones made 17 saves for the Huskies, who, in the series with UNE, were held off of the scoreboard for the first time since February 2021 (11 games).
The Nor'easters will be back in Biddeford on Saturday (5 p.m.) to entertain Plymouth State University.
