Box Score EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — The rematch of the NEWHA championship game went the same way as it did back in March.

The reigning champion LIU women's hockey team defeated Saint Anselm, 4-2, on Friday afternoon at Northwell Health Ice Center in the first meeting of a two-game series.

With the teams tied at 2, Ryane Kearns scored a power-play goal 6 minutes, 29 seconds into the third period. Ashley Morrow then provided a two-goal cushion when she put home the rebound of a shot from the blue line from Grace Babington two minutes later.

"I think we knew it was going to be a battle, but it also was going to be a great hockey game — fast-paced, back and forth," coach Kelly Nash said. "Our team was really excited about that. It was that, for sure. It was great to come out with the win."

Tindra Holm made 31 saves in the victory.

LIU had defeated the Hawks, 2-0, in last season's NEWHA championship game, also on Long Island.

The teams meet again on Saturday at 2 p.m. LIU will reveal its 2022-23 NEWHA championship banner in a pregame ceremony.