ORONO, Maine – The University of Maine women’s ice hockey team dropped a narrow 2-1 decision too Boston University Saturday at Alfond Arena, splitting a weekend Hockey East series.The loss brings maine’s record to 3-7-1 overall and 1-2-1 in conference play.
The result highlights the competitive balance within the Hockey East conference and underscores Maine’s ongoing quest for consistency as they navigate a challenging early-season schedule. The Black Bears will need to build on positive aspects of this weekend – strong special teams and a solid goaltending performance – as they prepare for a road series against Holy Cross.
Lily Fetch opened the scoring for Maine with a power-play goal in the first period, assisted by Lulu Rucinski and Gracie Hanson. The Black Bears maintained a 1-0 advantage for much of the second period before Boston University equalized with just 31 seconds remaining. The Terriers then secured the game-winning goal midway through the third.
Maine outshot Boston University 28-21, with Mackenzie Podewell leading all skaters with four shots on goal. Goaltender Kiia Lahtinen stopped 19 of 21 shots faced,posting a .905 save percentage. The Black Bears were efficient on the penalty kill, successfully defending all four terrier power-play opportunities, and converted on one of their own four chances.
Defensively, Maine blocked a total of 14 shots, led by Paige Fong, Raegan Wurm, and lulu Rucinski, each with three blocks.
Maine will resume Hockey East play with a two-game set at Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, on November 14 and 15.
