BOSTON, Mass. (February 28, 2026) -- The UMass Boston women's hockey team (16-8-2) advanced to the Little East Conference Championship with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the University of Southern Maine (10-15-1) at the Edward T. Barry Ice Rink. Grace Lynch (West Roxbury, Mass.) netted both goals on the power play, including the game-winner in the final minutes, while Leah Bosch (Minnetonka, Minn.) made 22 saves to secure the Beacons' spot in the first-ever LEC Championship game. UMass Boston improves to 16-8-2 with the win and extends its winning streak to three games.
With a championship berth at stake, both teams opened the semifinal with disciplined defensive play, trading chances but remaining scoreless through the first period. Southern Maine broke through early in the second period, striking first at even strength on a tally from Madison Chagnon. The Beacons answered on the power play at 5:37, as Grace Lynch buried her first power-play goal to even the score at 1-1, assisted by Shea Nolan (Quincy, Mass.) and Jenna Fitzsimons (Ashland, Mass.).
The third period saw UMass Boston seize momentum, outshooting Southern Maine 24-8 and dominating possession thanks to strong faceoff work from Emily Hansen (Lake Villa, IL.). After killing off a string of penalties, the Beacons capitalized on a crucial power play late in regulation. Lynch struck again with under two minutes remaining, finishing the decisive goal to put UMass Boston ahead for good, with assists from Mia Boyd (Buffalo, N.Y.) and Maggie Lynch (Quincy, Mass.). Bosch stood tall in net, turning aside all four Southern Maine shots in the final frame to preserve the victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Lynch scored both UMass Boston goals, each coming on the power play and accounting for 16 percent of the team's shots on net
- The Beacons were 2-for-8 on the power play while holding Southern Maine scoreless on seven opportunities
- UMass Boston controlled the faceoff circle, winning 68 percent (36 of 53) behind Hansen's 15 victories
- Bosch posted a .957 save percentage for her 16th win of the season
- The teams combined for 15 penalties and 30 minutes, marking a physical, high-stakes semifinal
Up Next
UMass Boston advances to the 2025 Little East Conference Championship on Saturday, March 7 in Northfield, VT against the LEC #1 Norwich University Cadets.
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