Box Score
BOSTON, Mass. – A Katie Leffler (Key Largo, Fla.) goal at the 18:50 mark of the first period lifted women's hockey to a crucial 1-0 New England Hockey Conference win as the Beacons defeated Salem State University Friday afternoon at Edward T. Barry Ice Rink.
THE BASICS
UMass Boston 1, Salem State University 0
UMass Boston (10-7-1, 6-4-0 NEHC)
Salem State University (3-12-1, 2-7-1 NEHC)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Leffler's game-winning marker came on a redirect off of an Erica Lunn (Kingston, Mass.) slap shot from the blue line, while the Beacons were on the power-play. UMB had plenty of opportunities in the opening period, but were unable to put any additional dents on the scoreboard.
However the Beacons defense anchored by senior Caty Flagg (Methuen, Mass.) held the Vikings scoreless for the eighth time this season, third in the month of January alone. It also represented the second time this season that the Beacons have held the Vikings scoreless as they swept the regular season series.
After a 14-5 advantage in shots in the first period, the two teams were evenly matched in the second with both registering 12 shots on goal respectively. In the third frame, Flagg completed her shutout with a 10 save performance to cap-off a 34 save afternoon.
The shutout was the fifth of the season for the senior netminder, and 10th of her impressive college career.
BY THE NUMBERS
- UMass Boston is now 4-0 all-time against Salem State with their last three wins coming by shutout
- Dana Smullen was handed the loss after making 24 saves
- The Beacons finished 1-for-5 on the power-play, while SSU finished 0-for-1
- Elie Fallieras led the Beacons on the face-off dot as she went 13-for-23
- The Beacons were 36-for-56 on the face-off
- With the shutout, Flagg set the single season program record for shutouts breaking the original mark of four set by Rachel Myette and Amanda Boucher
- Her seven career shutouts as a Beacon ties the all-time record alongside Myette
WHO'S NEXT
The Beacons will travel to Suffolk University tomorrow for a 5:30 p.m. conference game.
