The Stonehill College women’s hockey team secured a place in the NEWHA Semifinals after defeating Long Island University 4–3 in overtime at Bridgewater Ice Arena. With this win, the Skyhawks’ record stands at 18-16-2, while LIU finishes its season at 18-17-1.
First-year player Summer Combe and senior Lily Barrett each recorded a goal and an assist for Stonehill. Senior Sydney Russell scored her sixth goal of the year, and sophomore Seina Spadone netted the game-winner in overtime, marking her second career game-winning goal.
Additional assists came from seniors Bailey Feeney, Lily Geist, Lucie Turcotte, and first-year players Payton Palsa and Masyn Mullin. In faceoffs, Palsa and senior Mia Kenmore combined for a strong performance, winning 19 out of 28 draws. Goaltender Eve Stone made 35 saves for her ninth win of the season and has now reached at least 35 saves in eight games this year.
Stonehill took control early with two goals within the first three minutes. Barrett opened scoring just over a minute into play, followed by Russell less than a minute later. The Skyhawks extended their lead to 3-0 midway through the period with Combe’s tenth goal of the season. LIU responded with a goal by Evelyn Latka before the end of the first period.
In the second period, LIU gained momentum by outshooting Stonehill and tying the score with goals from Emma Mörtl and Grace Babington. The third period saw LIU pressing for a lead but was held off by Stonehill’s defense and goaltending, including a crucial penalty kill during which Feeney, Achtyl, and Russell blocked four shots during a five-on-three disadvantage.
The game was decided in overtime when Palsa won a faceoff that led to Combe assisting Spadone on the decisive goal at 7:19.
Stonehill advances to Wednesday’s semifinal round of the NEWHA Tournament as their postseason continues.
“We are very proud of how our team battled tonight,” said Head Coach Lee-J Mirasolo. “Every player contributed to this win.”
