NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — The Holy Cross women's ice hockey team fell to Merrimack 3-2 in a back-and-forth battle on Saturday night. The Crusaders move to 2-9-1 and 1-7-0 in Hockey East play while the Warriors improve to 4-7-1 (3-6-1 Hockey East).
 
HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• The Warriors started the scoring at 8:46 in the first period on their only power play opportunity of the game.
• The Crusaders took 13 shots on goal compared to eight for Merrimack in the first period. 
• Junior Bryn Saarela scored the equalizing goal 15 seconds into a power play at 6:31 in the second period. She was assisted by senior Kailey Langefels and junior Millie Sirum.
• Merrimack retook the lead shortly after Saarela's goal.
• Sophomore Madison Michals scored her first goal as a Crusader to tie the score within the final minute of the second period. She was assisted by freshman Alexis Perry. 
• Merrimack scored the game-winner at 4:10 in the third period.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

• Saarela becomes the sole point leader with five, from two goals and three assists.
• Perry notches her second assist on the year, while Sirum tallies her third. Sirum owns the second team-highest point total with four, alongside seniors Darci Johal and Mary Edmonds.
• Langefels earned her first point of the season with the assist on Saarela's goal.
• Freshman goaltender Brooke Loranger posted 26 saves in her fifth start.

UP NEXT: 

• Holy Cross will remain on the road for a two-game set with Maine on Nov. 11 and 12. The Crusaders will travel to Orono on Friday for a 6 p.m. puck drop. The teams will face off the following day for a 2 p.m. game.  

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS 
Be sure to follow the Holy Cross women's ice hockey team — and all things Crusader Athletics — on social media!
Twitter - @HCrossWHockey | @goholycross
Instagram - @hcrosswhockey | @goholycross
Facebook - Holy Cross Women's Ice Hockey | Holy Cross Athletics
YouTube - GoHolyCross