BOSTON, Mass. — The UMass Boston women's hockey team delivered a dramatic 1-0 overtime victory over Vermont State University Castleton in an intense Little East Conference showdown at the Edward T. Barry Ice Rink to celebrate the teams senior day. Grace Lynch (West Roxbury, MA) scored the golden goal just 45 seconds into the extra period, while Leah Bosch (Minnetonka, MN) anchored the Beacons with a flawless 28-save shutout. The win propels UMass Boston to 13-6-2 overall and 9-4-1 in the LEC.
Both teams played with playoff-level intensity from the opening faceoff, trading defensive stands and limiting high-quality scoring chances through three periods. Despite being outshot 28-19 and facing a persistent VTSU Castleton attack, the Beacons remained composed behind the stellar goaltending of Bosch, who turned aside every shot she faced to keep the game deadlocked through regulation.
UMass Boston's penalty kill proved pivotal, shutting down all five Castleton power plays, including a crucial kill on a third-period infraction. As the final minutes of regulation ticked away, Lynch nearly broke the tie, ringing a shot off the post with just over two minutes left. Castleton called a timeout with under 30 seconds remaining to draw up a final push, but the Beacons defense and Bosch held firm to force overtime.
The decisive moment came swiftly in overtime when Grace Lynch capitalized on a feed from Shea Nolan, burying the lone goal of the contest and igniting a celebration on the ice. Nolan also contributed a strong performance in the faceoff circle, and Mia Boyd led the defensive effort with four blocked shots. The win strengthens the Beacons' position in the LEC standings as the regular season winds down.
BEACON BITS
Up Next
UMass Boston continues LEC action on Friday, Feb. 13, traveling to Northfield, Vt., to face Norwich University at 6 p.m.
