Women’s Hockey: Terriers Fall 2-1 to Brown in a Hard-Fought Battle

By Mel Mastela

Boston University Women’s Ice Hockey (0-5-0, 0-0-0 HE) fell to Brown University Bears (1-0-0, 0-0-0 ECAC) 2-1 in a close matchup at Walter Brown Arena on Friday night.

“I liked our professionalism. I thought we had way more attention to detail, and it was just a little bit too late this week,” BU Head Coach Tara Watchorn said. “Too late in the week. Just our preparation, that we can all reflect and… show up earlier with more attention to detail.”

Although BU started strong in the first period with aggressive offense, the Terriers struggled to maintain control of the puck. BU attempted to charge at every opportunity, but were unsuccessful in breaking through Brown’s defense.

Despite the Bears’ defense, BU recorded 12 shots on goal, while Brown managed only six in the first.

In the last minutes of the period, BU got a power play opportunity. However, they failed to maximize the final moments of the frame, sending both teams to the locker rooms scoreless.

The Terriers entered the second period with 41 seconds of power play still on the clock, but failed to break through.

After continued pressure, forward Luisa Welcke put BU on the board, sneaking the puck into the net amid a scramble in the corner. This was Welcke’s first goal of the season, assisted by forward Lilli Welcke and forward Sydney Healey.

“We always know they’re great together, and they did great for us again today when we got them back,” Watchorn said when asked about the line changes with Luisa Welcke during the game.

Both teams picked up the pace in the period, creating scoring opportunities and testing the goalies.

Brown brought the heat into the period, managing to double their shots on goal and tie the score.

With 34 seconds left in the frame, Brown’s forward Olivia Fantino scored a straight shot into the net after a clean play from the blue line by defender Avery Lian and forward Shauna Vadeboncoeur, ending the period at an even score of 1-1.

Skating into the last period, both teams knew they had to bring the fire to score their first win of the season.

The Bears did just that. Within the second minute of the final frame, forward Monique Lyons scored with an assist by forward Sam Broz, bringing the score to 2-1 for Brown.

Attempting to make a comeback, BU pressed in Brown’s zone, searching for any opening, but couldn’t break through the Bears’ defense.

Unable to capitalize, the Terriers set off into the locker room winless.

“It’s a tough spot to be in. Obviously, every team wants to win; that’s obviously the goal, and I think…it’s just laying down the foundation of our team and…learning from each other,” Healey said. “Starting from the bottom and working your way up…I think we’re on the right track.”

Despite the loss, goaltender Mari Pietersen made 16 saves for the Terriers, while Bears goalie Rory Edwards stopped 23 shots throughout the face-off.

When asked about Pietersen’s performance, Watchorn said, “I think a couple of breakdowns led to unique types of shots, especially early, and she really kept us in it and gave us confidence.”

Looking ahead, the Terriers are hoping to earn their first win of the season on Friday against Northeastern at Walter Brown Arena. The game will start at 6 p.m., with streaming available on ESPN+.