The battle between the St. Lawrence Saints and the Brown University Bears was fought until the last seconds, with SLU emerging with a 3-2 win on the strength of Suzanne Fiacco’s late power-play winner.
St.Lawrence set the pace of the game early by scoring on their third shift, only to have the goal disallowed for having a man in the crease. This quick start by the Saints began the end to end battles. The two goaltenders played outstandingly, leading their teams defensively.
Tenacity paid off for the Saints at the end of the first period when Sara Simard scored the first goal of the game for the Saints. Simard was unable to put the puck past the goalie on her initial shot, but she was able to capitalize on her own rebound, giving the Saints the lead.
The end-to-end battles continued throughout the second period, though neither team was able to capitalize. Rachel Barrie made two unbelievable saves in a row to protect the fragile one-goal lead in one of the Bears’ scoring opportunities. The Saints also had their scoring opportunities, yet the goalposts seemed to be in the Bears favor.
Brown came out flying in the third period, scoring just one minute in. One of the Saint defenders lost her footing and left Barrie with two Bears coming down on her. The Bears capitalized, with a great play, with McManus putting the Bears on the scoreboard.
Just one minute later Brown tallied again with McManus netting her second goal of the game, as the Bears took the lead 2-1.
But great playmaking by Doyle, Russell and Sargeant created the Saints tying goal. Doyle sent the puck up to Russell who found Sargeant streaking into the slot. Sargeant, who was being contained by the Brown defenders, still managed to find the far corner of the net as she fell to her stomach.
Both teams continued to play well until Brown was called for a hooking penalty with three minutes left in the game. The Saints were able to capitalize with their only power-play goal of the game, scoring with two minutes left. Fiacco became the hero for the Saints, as she netted the goal to give the Saints the victory.
Brown cost itself any chance for a victory by taking a bench minor with two minutes left in the game as the Saints were essentially able to run out the clock.
Sargeant was awarded the first star of the game, tallying one goal and one assist.
The Saints and the Bears play again Saturday at 4 p.m.
