EAST MEADOW, N.Y. - The LIU women's hockey team took two early leads on the University of Maine in the home opener Friday afternoon, but couldn't stave off the Black Bears' late push, as Maine took the win, 4-2.

LIU got on the board in the first period, when Abby Latorella scored to make it 1-0 LIU. Maine answered just over 90 seconds later, however, tying the game up on an even strength goal, 1-1.The Sharks left the period with the lead, however, as Matilda af Bjur scored a goal with 33 seconds on the clock, burying the puck on a rebound from Carrigan Umpherville's shot.

Maine added a goal in the second period, and the two teams were knotted up, 2-2 heading into the third. Maine scored early in the period, to go up 3-2, and LIU spent the rest of the 17 minutes trying to even the score up once more. But Maine scored in the final minute on a power play, widening the lead to 4-2, and dampering LIU's hopes at a comeback win.

Freshman goalie Tindra Holm made 33 saves in net for the Sharks in the loss. The two teams face off at Northwell Ice Center in a rematch, Saturday, October 9 at 2 p.m.