The Providence College women’s hockey team saw their season come to an end with a 3-2 loss to Northeastern in the Hockey East Quarterfinals on March 1 at Schneider Arena. Despite a strong effort, the Friars could not complete a comeback after falling behind 2-0 in the second period.
Northeastern’s Skylar Irving opened the scoring on a power play at 6:54, followed by Allie Lalonde’s goal at 7:59. Providence responded in the third period with goals from Jessie Pellerin and Millie Sirum, but Ella Blackmore’s tally for the Huskies at 7:18 proved to be the game-winner.
Providence finished the season with a 20-12-3 record, marking another strong campaign under head coach Matt Kelly. Despite the loss, the Friars showed resilience and will look to build on their success for the next season. Northeastern advances to the Hockey East Semifinals. Providence Women’s Hockey lost in the Hockey East Quarterfinal and worked on two Cumberland bridges
Game Recap
First Period: Strong Defensive Start
The first period was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to break through the opposing goaltenders. Providence goalie Sandra Abstreiter and Northeastern’s Gwyneth Phillips stood tall, making key saves to keep the game scoreless.
Second Period: Northeastern Strikes Twice
The Huskies took control in the second period, striking first at 6:54 on the power play. Skylar Irving found the back of the net with assists from Jules Constantinople and Eloise Caron, putting Northeastern ahead 1-0.
Just over a minute later, at 7:59, Allie Lalonde extended the lead to 2-0, capitalizing on a turnover and finishing a pass from Jaden Bogden and Constantinople.
Providence had several chances to respond, but Phillips continued to deny them, keeping the Huskies in control heading into the final period.
Third Period: Friars Fight Back but Fall Short
The Friars showed resilience early in the third period. Freshman Jessie Pellerin scored at 1:39, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and igniting hope for a comeback.
However, Northeastern quickly responded at 7:18, with Ella Blackmore restoring the two-goal lead, making it 3-1. Rylie Jones and Lalonde picked up assists on the goal.
Providence refused to back down. At 13:25, graduate student Millie Sirum found the net, narrowing the score to 3-2. The Friars pushed hard in the final minutes, pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, but Phillips and the Huskies’ defense held firm, securing the win.
Season Overview:
Under the guidance of head coach Matt Kelly, the Friars achieved their third 20-win season, marking another successful campaign. Their performance throughout the season demonstrated resilience and competitiveness within the Hockey East conference.
As the Friars reflect on their season, they can take pride in their accomplishments and look forward to building on this foundation in the upcoming year.
For a visual recap of the game, you can watch the following video:
Key Performances
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Northeastern:
- Skylar Irving: 1 goal (PPG)
- Allie Lalonde: 1 goal, 1 assist
- Ella Blackmore: 1 goal
- Gwyneth Phillips: 26 saves
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Providence:
- Jessie Pellerin: 1 goal
- Millie Sirum: 1 goal
- Sandra Abstreiter: 23 saves
Season Overview & Looking Ahead
Despite the tough loss, the Friars had a successful season, reaching the 20-win mark for the third time under head coach Matt Kelly. Providence showcased a strong defensive core and an ability to compete with top teams in Hockey East.
With key returning players and new talent joining the roster next season, the Friars will look to build on this momentum and aim for an even deeper postseason run in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Despite the heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Northeastern, the Providence Friars had an impressive season, finishing with a 20-12-3 record and proving themselves as a strong contender in the Hockey East Conference. Their resilience in the quarterfinals, especially their third-period push, showcased the team’s determination and depth.
While their playoff run ended earlier than hoped, the Friars demonstrated significant growth throughout the season under head coach Matt Kelly. With a solid core of returning players and new talent set to join, Providence will look to build on this momentum and make an even deeper postseason push next year.
For now, the team can take pride in their accomplishments and use this experience as motivation for the 2025 season. Meanwhile, Northeastern moves on to the semifinals, continuing their pursuit of the Hockey East title.
Reference: abc6.com