BOSTON, Mass. – A three-goal third period lifted Suffolk University to a 5-4 non-conference win over women's hockey in the 2021-22 season opener for the Beacons Saturday afternoon at Edward T. Barry Ice Rink.

THE BASICS

UMass Boston 4, Suffolk University 5

UMass Boston (0-1-0)
Suffolk University (2-0-0)

HOW IT HAPPENED

In what became a shootout from the opening face-off, the two intra-city rivals totaled 78 shots respectively.

After a year away from competition, it only took the Beacons 46 seconds to register their first goal of 21-22. Katie Leffler (Key Largo, Fla.) scored an unassisted tally to give UMB the very early lead.

Suffolk would respond with a pair of goals to close out the opening frame, as Sofia Scilipoti and Shana Cote each recorded their first goals of the season. After the break, UMB would score their second goal in the opening minute as senior Kelsey Ryan (Burlington, Mass.) made it a 2-2 affair. Leffler and sophomore Katie Wilbert (Pittsburgh, Pa.) each picked-up an assist.

The Beacons then took their second lead of the day when Ana Gustafson (Clarkston, Mich.) scored her first goal of the campaign on the power-play. Cailey Kozich (Wexford, Pa.) was credited with an assist.

In the third period, Leffler would score her second of the contest to give UMB a 4-2 lead with Ryan and Corin Trejchel (Pittsburgh, Pa.) each earning their first assists of the young season.

UMB would hold onto their two-goal lead for just over four minutes, when Cote scored her second on the power-play to make it 4-3. The Rams would then tie the game three minutes later with Vanessa Stuart finding the back of the net.

Deadlocked at 4-4 heading into the final moments of regulation, UMB looked to hold off the surging Rams. Unfortunately, Suffolk would spoil the Beacons season-opener as Jesse Kennedy scored the game-winner with just over a minute to play.

Victoria Kennedy (Winthrop, Mass.) had an impressive debut between the pipes as she made 39 saves, including 18 in the first period. Julia McLellan combined for 30 stops to pick-up the victory.

BY THE NUMBERS

• The Beacons finished 1-for-3 on the power-play, while Suffolk finished 2-for-7
• Suffolk led the contest 44-34 in total shots
• All-time the Beacons are now 2-3-1 against Suffolk
• Saturday's contest marked the head coaching debut for Danielle Blanchard, who was named the head coach of the Beacons less than a month ago

WHO'S NEXT
The Beacons will host Norwich University on Friday at 6 p.m. in the conference opener.