WORCESTER, Mass. – The Holy Cross women's hockey team lost to Maine 2-1 Friday evening as the Crusaders opened their season.

Jada Brenon made 35 saves and Bryn Saarela scored her first collegiate goal, but it wasn't enough to top the Black Bears who scored two first period goals and clung to their lead the rest of the way.

The Crusaders pulled Brenon with 1:18 remaining for the extra skater, but weren't able to get the equalizer.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1-0 Maine (1^st, 10:14, EV): The Black Bears took the lead midway through the first when Ella Maclean sent a shot in on goal that Ida Kuoppala was able to tip home.
2-0 Maine (1^st, 19:43, PP): Maine increased its lead to two when Morgan Sadler converted on the power play.
2-1 HC (3^rd, 1:18, EV): The Crusaders got one back early in the third when off a faceoff, Mary Edmonds was able to get the puck to Saarela who fired a shot from the slot and beat Maine's goalie over her right shoulder.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Shots were even on the night, tied at 35 for each side.
• In her first collegiate game, Millie Sirum led all players with eight shots.
• Sofia Smithson blocked a team-high three shots.

UP NEXT:
Holy Cross hosts Maine again tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m.