BIDDEFORD — The stakes are mounting in college women’s hockey, as UNE faces its second to last game in eighth place in the NEHL standings. UNE took on their seventh place competitor, Plymouth State University, at the Harold Alfond Forum Friday night. Only the top eight teams are eligible to play in the rapidly approaching NEHC tournament. 

UNE stood out in the first period, making the only goal and some exceptional steals from Mary Wirth and Cassandra Connolly. The stormy Nor’easters defense defended the house through the end of the first, suffering one injury as one UNE player was carried off the ice midway. 

PSU came back with a vengeance in the second, tying at 0:51 seconds with a goal by Lauren Connelly assisted by Kelsey Roy and Shannon Hickey. PSU went on to eclipse UNE for a moment, 2-1 with a goal from Julie Nagel, assisted by Alivia Bates. UNE took control back at the twelve minute mark, Abby Kinnens scoring with an assist credited to Connolly, 2-2. Only two minutes later, trying to capitalize, UNE’s Wirth scored, assist by Gabby Crugnale and Julianna Sheehan to end the second, 3-2. 

Despite efforts that sprayed frosted ice everywhere and Plymouth’s decision to pull their goalie for the last two minutes, the third period was tractionless. The game ended 3-2 UNE, carrying the Nor’easter girls one step closer to the New England hockey conference tournament.