NORTH ANDOVER, Mass -- The University of Maine Women's Ice Hockey team fell 3-0 in a close contest at Merrimack College on Friday afternoon.
 
The first period saw both teams taking penalties but even with a handful of chances on the power play, neither saw was able to break the tie after 20. Carly Jackson saved 12 shots for the Black Bears, while her counterpart, Samantha Ridgewell, turned away nine Maine shots in the opening period.
 
How It Happened
 
First Goal (1-0 MC): Katelyn Rae scored the first goal of the Hockey East contest. Her 17th goal of the season came on a power play rebound that stayed in close to the crease. Emily Volpe got an assist on Rae's tally.
 
Second Goal (2-0 MC): Rae continued on her special teams scoring, taking the puck away and potting her second of the game shorthanded 5:48 into the third period to double the Warriors lead. Her 18th of the year was unassisted.
 
Third Goal (3-0 MC): Jessica Bonfe finished off the night with an empty net goal for Merrimack for her sixth of the season.
 
Notes:
- Carly Jackson totaled 32 saves for the Black Bears, while Maine's offense posted 30 shots on goal.
- The Black Bears went 3-for-4 on the penalty kill in the contest, but were unable to convert on their own power play opportunities.
- Team defense was strong again for Maine, blocking 14 shots.
- Maine is 13-9-2 overall this season and 6-9-2 in Women's Hockey East play.

Next: The Black Bears play the second game of the series at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Merrimack's Lawler Rink.

-UMaine-