SYOSSET, N.Y.- Matilda af Bjur scored in the second period, and
Stella Scott scored in the third to tie the game, but the Long Island University women's ice hockey team came up short against the Saint Anselm Hawks, 4-2 on Friday afternoon.
It was quiet, but a tight defensive battle for most of the opening period. The Hawks were the first ones to break through, getting on the board in the last minute of the first. The Sharks opened up the second period on a power play, and came out firing taking five shots in a row, including one by
Carrigan Umpherville that hit by pipe. Saint Anselm would quickly add to their lead on a breakaway early in the second.
The Sharks did not give in and continued to pressure offensively. With less than two minutes left of the second period, af Bjur stole the puck in the defensive end, maneuvered around two defenders and sent home a shot to the top left corner of the net to put the Sharks on the board.
Despite trailing by one heading into the third, the Sharks were resilient. After killing off a power play to open the final period, the Sharks were able to get two shots off before
Alva Johnsson sent a pass to the crease that Scott deflected into the net to tie the game at two apiece.
The Hawks were able to capitalize on a loose rebound in front of the net to get the eventual game-winning goal with just under 10 minutes left. Saint Anselm would add an empty net insurance goal in the final minute of play.
LIU finished with 29 shots on goal, led by af Bjur who took five.
Megan Bouveur,
Grace Dima,
Abby Latorella, and Johnsson all finished with three shots on target.
Paula Bergström, Umpherville,
Linn Thomsen,
Renee Hoffmann, and Scott all had two shots on goal, while
Julia Hoffmann and
Morgan Schauer each had one on net. Latorella and Johnsson both added an assist.
Defensively, the Sharks finished the game with nine blocked shots, which was led by Bergström who blocked a team-best three. The Blue and Gold killed all three of the Hawks' power play opportunities.
Mia McLeod started and played 57 minutes in net for the Sharks. She finished the day with 30 saves, including 18 in the first period.
The Sharks return to the ice tomorrow, Saturday, January 11 to close out the weekend series against the Hawks. Game time at Northwell Health Ice Center is slated for 4:15 p.m.
