Henniker, NH (Feb. 21, 2026) --- The UMass Boston Beacons clinched the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the Little East Conference (LEC) Women's Ice Hockey Tournament with a decisive 3-0 victory over New England College on Saturday afternoon.
UMass Boston controlled play from the opening faceoff, scoring once in each period to secure the shutout win.
Mia Boyd opened the scoring at 4:11 of the first period, netting her first goal of the season off an assist from Shea Nolan. In the second period, senior Jenna Fitzsimons doubled the lead at the 4:23 mark with her third goal of the year, assisted by Boyd. Nolan capped the scoring in the third period, tallying her fourth goal of the season on assists from Grace Lynch and Darby Rounseville.
In goal, Leah Bosch was outstanding, stopping all 22 shots she faced to record her sixth shutout of the season.
As a team, the Beacons outshot the Pioneers 58-34, including a 41-22 edge in shots on goal. Bosch and the Beacons' defense were particularly strong on special teams, successfully killing all seven of New England College's power-play opportunities. UMass Boston also blocked five shots, with Avery Brooks leading the way with two.
Up Next
UMass Boston will host the winner of the No. 3/No. 6 matchup between University of Southern Maine and Plymouth State University in the LEC Semifinals on Saturday, February 28 at 1 p.m. at the Edward T. Barry Ice Rink.
Final 2025-26 LEC Women's Ice Hockey Standings
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Norwich University – 54 points
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UMass Boston – 30 points
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Southern Maine – 27 points
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Vermont State University Castleton – 23 points
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Keene State College – 22 points
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Plymouth State – 19 points
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New England College – 13 points
Tournament Schedule
First Round – Wednesday, Feb. 25
No. 3 Southern Maine vs. No. 6 Plymouth State
No. 4 Castleton vs. No. 5 Keene State
Semifinals – Saturday, Feb. 28
No. 1 Norwich vs. No. 4/5 Winner
No. 2 UMass Boston vs. No. 3/6 Winner
Final – Saturday, March 7
Semifinal winners at the higher remaining seed
With momentum on their side and home ice secured, the Beacons now turn their focus to a semifinal showdown as they continue their pursuit of an LEC championship.
