WORCESTER, Mass. — The Holy Cross women's ice hockey team hosted Merrimack for the second game of the conference series. The Crusaders battled but ultimately fell 4-3 in regulation.

The Warriors got on the board first with an early goal just 44 seconds into the first period. They extended their lead with a goal seven minutes later. The Crusaders answered back, cutting Merrimack's lead in half at 10:01 with a power-play goal by junior defenseman Emilie Fortunato, her first of the season. She was assisted by junior defenseman Carmen Elliott and freshman forward Reghan Chadwick. Senior forward Lilly Feeney single-handedly equalized the score with a goal at 17:55 to conclude the first period 2-2.

The Crusaders came out on the attack to start the second period with senior forward Millie Sirum netting a one-timer to take the 3-2 lead in favor of Holy Cross. She was assisted by sophomore defenseman Casey Borgiel and sophomore forward Alexia Moreau. The Warriors tied things up at 9:20 and reclaimed the lead on a power-play goal with 33 seconds left in the period.

After a hard fought third period, the Warriors came out with the 4-3 win.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• In the first period, Merrimack scored the first two goals of the game at 0:44 and 7:36. The Crusaders responded with a goal by Fortunato at 10:01 and equalized with an unassisted goal by Feeney at 17:55 to end the second period 2-2
• In the second period, the Crusaders came out swinging with an early goal by Sirum at 2:47. The Warriors equalized with a goal at 9:20 and stole the lead at 19:27.
• Neither team scored in the third period with Merrimack taking the 4-3 win over the Crusaders
• Merrimack led Holy Cross in shot attempts, 57-45

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

• Fortunato netted her first goal on the year
• Borgiel adds another assist for nine this season
• Sirum tied Perry as Holy Cross's leading scorer with five so far.
• Feeney tabbed her second goal this season
• Beck made 21 saves in the competition

UP NEXT: 

• Holy Cross returns to action on Friday Nov. 17 when they travel to Storrs, Conn. to take on UConn at 6 p.m. in the Toscano Family Ice Forum.

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