Missy Pacitti of Neumann College scored twice in the first period and Lindsay Parson scored once and added two assists as the Knights spoiled the home debut of the UMass Boston women’s ice hockey team, defeating the Beacons 3-1. UMB exacted a little revenge the following day, coming up with a 5-2 victory against Neumann College. The Beacons, who have club status this season before upgrading to the varsity level next year, have a record that currently stands at 3-2.
In the Friday game, Pacitti scored both of her goals early in the period, twice knocking the puck in the net from in close amidst a scrambling mass of Beacon arms and legs.
UMB rebounded wonderfully, taking total control of the second half of the opening period. On a power play late in the period, Katie Reardon scored fifth goal of the season as Molly Norton dished the Burlington native out front. Kelly Rowe also had an assist on the goal.
The Beacons exerted great offensive pressure and a good forechecking game early on in the second period. The impressive play yielded no goals, however, as Neumann College managed to clear loose pucks away from their goal. Little by little, the Knights gained confidence from surviving the sustained Beacon attack.
Neumann College came out of the locker room with more pep to start the third period. UMB found it difficult to start the rush out of their zone, even when they were on the power play. The Beacons had two-player advantage for 1:44, but chances did not materialize and few shots found their way to the Knight goalie.
The Beacons gave up their third goal of the game when Parson found herself ten feet out in front of Beacon goalie Shannon Palmer, and ripped a shot past the gloveside. Palmer ended up with 30 saves for the game.
The Beacons had some offensive flurries as the game wound down, but the Knights withstood all challenges, even when Coach Linda Schuler pulled Palmer for an extra attacker.
The following game had a more pleasing outcome for the Beacons as Sebrina Monsen potted two goals to lead UMass Boston to a 5-2 victory. Goaltender Amanda Boucher turned back 18 shots to earn her second victory of the season.
The Beacons’ next game is not until Saturday November, when they face Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on the road. The next home game is on Thursday December 5 against Wesleyan.