NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - The Maine women's hockey team downed Merrimack College, 2-0, on Thursday at J. Thom Lawler Rink in their final regular-season game. Sophomore goaltender Kiia Lahtinen backstopped Maine making 29 saves in her fifth career shutout. 

After a scoreless first frame, Haley Ryan gave Maine the 1-0 lead a few minutes into the second period. Paige Fong and Danielle Brunette picked up the assists on Ryan's second goal of the season. Late in the period, Sade Sandilands buried a rebound from Isabelle Michaud to give Maine a two-goal lead.

The third period was scoreless as Maine held off the Warriors for the final 20 minutes. 

Game Notes:

• Kiia Lahtinen's shutout was the fifth of her career and her third this season.
• Maine was 0/3 on the powerplay and 2/2 on the penalty kill. 
• The Black Bears outshot Merrimack 42 to 29. Ava Stevenson and Stephanie Jacob led the team with seven shots on goal apiece. 
• Brenna Curl led Maine with three blocks. 

Up Next:

• Maine's record moves to 12-18-4 (8-12-4 HE) as they now sit in 6th place in the Hockey East standings.
• Opening round of the Hockey East Playoffs begins Wed, Feb 25.
• #7 seeds hosts #10 Merrimack and #8 seeds hosts #9 seed in the Opening Round before the Quarterfinals begin. 

-UMaine-