ORONO, Maine -- The Women's Ice Hockey team suffered a tough loss to the Providence College Friars on Saturday afternoon, dropping the contest 6-4. The game was the first of a two-game series, which counts towards Hockey East conference play.

There was no shortage of goals in the first period. Providence started the scoring when Brooke Boquist put the Friars on the board at 3:29 into the period. Shortly after Junior Brooke Stacey (11-11-22) netted one for the Black Bears at the 8:30 mark. The goal was assisted by Freshman standout Tereza Vanisova (15-12-27). Neve Van Pelt answered for Providence at 12:38. Maine continued the scoring when Junior Catherine Tufts (9-3-12) scored off of a Lydia Murray assist at 15:59 into the period. Stacey then added her second at 16:11. Junior Kristin Gilmour was good for the assist on the goal. The period ended with a 4-2 Black Bear lead.

Providence came out strong in the second period. Cassidy Carels scored their third goal at 8:31 into the period. Rachel Rockwell tied the game at 11:49. Meaghan Rickard gave the Friars the lead at 16:17. Shortly after Blair Parent bought Providence some insurance, at 16:34.

In the third period the Black Bears made an effort to come back when Murray scored off of a Stacey assist. Alyson Matteau had the secondary.

In net, the Friars saw Clare Minnerath (20:00) and Madison Myers (40:00) split time. Myer got the win, making 17 saves.

The Black Bears also split work between two goalies. Carly Jackson (37:03) made 21 saves, including 15 in the first period. Mariah Fujimagari (21:20) made seven saves. Jackson received.

The two teams meet again tomorrow afternoon, at 2pm, at Alfond Arena. It will be the annual 'Skating Strides Against Breast Cancer Game'. The event is sponsored by FairPoint Communications.

-UMaine-