BOSTON, MA (February 3, 2024) – Graduate forward Hannah MacDougall lit the way for a late UMass Boston game-winner in a 4-3 showdown against New England Hockey Conference giants the Herons of William Smith College for the Beacons' seventh win in eight games as they take the win from Geneva, N.Y on Saturday evening.

Senior forward Katie Wilbert along with first-year forward Jenna Majewski each led the offensive brigade for the Beacons, as they each contributed a team-high five shots in the win. Sophomore forward Emily Hansen led the way in the faceoff circle, leading the way with a team-high 11 wins from the drop. Hansen, Majewski, and Wilbert each contributed a goal, and a pair of assists in the win. Senior goalie Victoria Kennedy was the main Beacon between the pipes tonight, stopping 31 of the 34 shots she faced in net.

William Smith struck the scoreboard first in the fifth minute of the first period, following a score by the Herons' Mackenzie O'Neal. UMass Boston responded with aggressiveness on the offensive end, however, the Herons were able to hold strong. Until just before the clock read one minute remaining, the Beacons' power play kill was able to equalize late in the first period to bring things even at one. Wilbert struck first for the Beacons, assisted by Hansen and Majewski. The Beacons outshot the Herons 14 to eight in the first.

Majewski pushed the meter for the Beacons mere moments into the second period, striking with just over a minute taken off the clock. Majewski was assisted by Hansen and first-year defender Gianna Skrelja. It wasn't long before the Beacs struck again to swing momentum fully in their favor. This time was Hansen, again on the power play kill. Hansen was assisted by Wilbert and Majewski, as the trio continued to find success all night long.

The Beacs took their foot off the gas pedal, as the Herons were able to punch back twice before the conclusion of the second. Their second goal of the evening came five minutes following the Beacons' third goal, and again with just under five minutes remaining.

An action-packed second period was wrapped up with MacDougall's winner from Wilbert and junior defender Gabby Shontz on the assists. MacDougall's winner came just 60 seconds following the Herons' equalizer, as the Beacs put themselves in prime position to take the win away from home for their seventh win in eight matchups.

Kennedy held on strong despite 13 desperate shots from the Herons. Coupled with the Beacons' defense, UMass Boston was able to hold on in the third period for their 10^th win in the regular season, and their ninth conference win. The Beacons are back in action from the Edward T. Barry on Friday, as the Beacons honor and celebrate their seniors against Johnson and Wales University. Live stats and video coverage can be found at UMass Boston - Official Athletics Website (beaconsathletics.com).