Box Score

MANCHESTER, N.H. – The second-seeded Saint Anselm College women's ice hockey team used goals by Kaitlyn Spillane and Samantha Boyer to blank Franklin Pierce 2-0 in the semifinals of the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) Open on Saturday afternoon at Sullivan Arena.

Spillane and Boyer scored less than three minutes apart in the second period for Saint Anselm (21-5-0), which outshot Franklin Pierce (16-8-1) 36-12 in the game.

With the win, the Hawks advance to the tournament's championship game against top-seeded Holy Cross on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. at Sullivan Arena. The Crusaders topped Saint Michael's 9-2 in the first semifinal. The championship game will follow the consolation game between the Skyhawks and Ravens at 1 p.m.

After over a period and a half of scoreless hockey, Saint Anselm made the breakthrough at 13:17 of the second period when Spillane found the back of the net for the eighth time this season. Alex Starzyk found the sophomore in the slot and Spillane beat Noelle White up high. Boyer also earned an assist on Spillane's opener.

Less than three minutes later, the Hawks doubled their lead on the first collegiate goal of Boyer's career. Boyer put home a rebound off at 16:10 of the second with Spillane and Halle Kent earning assists.

Hannah Synnott only needed to make 12 saves to record her ninth shutout of the season. The junior goaltender improved to 19-3-0 this season with the win. White took the loss despite making 34 saves for Franklin Pierce.

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