BOSTON, Mass. (November 2, 2024) – The Western New England women's ice hockey team secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Beacons of UMass-Boston on Saturday, thanks to a second-period goal and an outstanding performance from first-year goalkeeper Rachel Irving, who made all 32 saves. This win capped off a perfect 2-0 start to the season.

Records:

• Western New England: 2-0
• UMass-Boston: 0-2

How It Happened: 

The Golden Bears faced an early challenge as UMass-Boston took the first shot of the game. Emily Hansen tested Rachel Irving, who was making her first career start in the collegiate ranks. Western New England recorded its first shot four minutes into the game, with Alana Bouthillette's attempt being turned away. The Beacons controlled much of the offensive play in the first period, launching 14 shots on goal, but Irving stood tall, preventing any goals and keeping the Beacons at bay. Zoe Galanoudis, Maddie Pope, Leah Dube, and Emma Birmingham all recorded shots on goal for WNE, but the period ended scoreless.

Irving opened the second period with two quick saves, robbing UMB's Jenna Fitzsimmons twice within an eight-second span to keep the Beacons off the board. Katie Cronin put the first shot on goal for Western New England just 1:37 into the second period. The fast-paced action required only nine faceoffs before the game's first goal was scored. Graduate student Alyssa Murphy fired in her first goal of the season, giving the Golden Bears a 1-0 lead. Kelsey Joiner and Hannah Baxter each provided assists on the play, marking WNE's first road goal of the season. Following the goal, Western New England maintained control, testing UMass-Boston's goalkeeper multiple times but unable to extend their lead. Michaela Birmingham recorded two blocked shots in quick succession before the second period ended with WNE holding a 1-0 lead. The Golden Bears outshot UMass-Boston 15-7 in the second period, scoring the only goal of the frame.

The first shot of the third period came from Jenna Lynch, who missed the net, while the Beacons' Katie Wilbert had the first shot on goal, saved by Rachel Irving. UMass-Boston applied pressure on the Golden Bears' defense and goalkeeper as they searched for their first goal. WNE responded with three consecutive shots on
goal with eight minutes remaining, but Galanoudis and Valerie DuVal could not beat Veronika Hadamosky. The Beacons pulled their goalkeeper with just under two minutes left in the third period, attempting to generate offense. They threw two shots on goal, both denied by Irving, who saved all 11 shots from the Beacons in the third period to earn the shutout victory. The Golden Bears clinched a 1-0 win over UMB.

Inside the Lines:

• Rachel Irving made all 32 saves in her first career start.
• Alyssa Murphy scored WNE's only goal of the game, which was also her first of the season.
• UMass-Boston out shot Western New England 32-27.
• The Golden Bears recorded 17 blocked shots in the game, with five from Jenna Lynch.
• The WNE penalty kill was a perfect 2/2 on the afternoon.

Up Next on the Schedule:

• WNE will remain on the road for a game against Keene State College on Friday, November 8, at 7:40 PM.