Women’s Hockey: Terriers Meet No. 8 Quinnipiac In Belfast
Featured Image by Jenny Chen
By Claire Smieszny
Friday night, Boston University women’s ice hockey (4-11-2, 4-6-2 HE) will take on the No. 8 Quinnipiac Bobcats (14-5-1, 5-4-1 ECAC) in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as part of the 2026 Friendship Series.
The tournament marks the return to the ice for both teams, their first time on the ice since Dec. 6 following winter break. Quinnipiac enters the matchup ranked No. 8 in the USCHO national poll, with marquee wins this season over top programs including UConn and Northeastern.
The Bobcats’ attack is led by junior forward Kahlen LaMarche, who has a staggering 31 points in 20 games on 22 goals and nine assists. Quinnipiac’s offense is deep as well, with seven skaters already in double digits in points.
The Terriers will be challenged both in slowing that offense and in beating one of the nation’s top goaltenders. Sophomore netminder Felicia Frank ranks in the top five nationally in both save percentage (.944) and goals-against average (1.41), providing Quinnipiac with a steady last line of defense.
While BU stumbled out of the gate this season, the Terriers put together a small run of wins before dropping two straight to UConn heading into the break. Senior forwards Sydney Healey and Clara Yuhn have been the primary drivers of the offense and sit first and second on the team in points.
The biggest question for BU is who gets the start in goal. Juniors Mari Pietersen and Michelle Pasiechnyk have shared the crease throughout the first half, each having stretches of strong play and tougher nights. Both own save percentages above .900, but a standout performance in net could be the key to the Terriers’ chances in Belfast.
The winner of Friday’s game will advance to Saturday’s championship to face either the Harvard Crimson or Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, with a chance to ring the Friendship Series bell trophy.
Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. local time (1 p.m. EST) at SSE Arena in Belfast. The game will be available to stream on the Belfast Giants TV YouTube channel.