BU Fries The Friars

In its first four years of existence, the Boston University women’s hockey team did not muster a single point at Providence College’s Schneider Arena, recording an 0-6-0 record over the six-game span. On Saturday, the Terriers went into Rhode Island’s most prominent catholic institution and exorcised those demons, earning a 3-1 victory over the Friars.

Sophomore Jenelle Kohanchuk (’12) netted the game-winner, as she wrapped around the net and tucked the puck past Providence goaltender Genevieve Lacasse midway through the final period. Kohanchuk would add an empty-net goal as the clock wound down in regulation to extend her team-leading goal total to 8.

Before the sophomore stud broke through, the Terriers and Friars were knotted in a 1-1 deadlock, which seemed to have BU destined for its fifth tie of the season. After freshman Britt Hergesheimer (’13) rifled a slap shot past Lacasse’s left skate early in the second, Providence’s leading scorer Ashley Cottrell carried the puck down the ice for an impressive backhand equalizer toward the end of the period.

When the teams returned to the ice for the third period, BU’s conservative play suggested that they might be willing to settle for a tie. However, Kohanchuk’s effort propelled the Terriers beyond the realm of mediocrity, and gave the team a win in its first Hockey East contest of the season.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the victory was BU’s effectiveness on the penalty kill. Coming into the game, the Terriers had allowed goals on 32% of their opponents’ power plays, a big part of why they had been outscored 21-23 overall. However, on Saturday the team only allowed one power play goal on six Friar chances. Sophomore Tara Watchorn (’12) did great work on the PK, breaking up plays and clearing pucks all afternoon. In fact, it was when Watchorn was in the box with a penalty of her own that Providence finally broke through for a goal. Melissa Haber was solid in net, saving 24 out of 25 shots on the day.

The win marks a positive end to a five-game road trip, which the Terriers posted a 2-1-2 record. The Terrier’s finally return to Walter Brown Arena on November 2 when they take on arch rival Boston College at 7:00 p.m.
Be sure to stay tuned to wtbusports.com for coverage of that game and everything Terrier Athletics all season long.