PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Holy Cross women's ice hockey team fell to No. 13 Providence, 3-1, on Friday afternoon. The Crusaders move to 6-23-1, (5-19-0 Hockey East) while the Friars improve to 19-9-4 overall and 14-7-4 in conference standings. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Crusaders drew an early penalty at 1:15, but the Friars were unable to take a shot on goal during the two-minute advantage.
•  The Friars began creating long possessions in the offensive zone and managed 13 shots on goal, while the Holy Cross defense blocked eight shots by the end of the first period. 
• Providence was caught with its first penalty of the game at 15:33 in the first. The Crusaders were unable to record a shot on goal, keeping the score 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. 
• The Friars started the second period strong, recording three shots on goal during the first minute. They received their second power play opportunity at 7:04 in the second, tallying four shots, as the score held firmly at zeros. 
• Providence found the first goal of the game at 10:51 in the second. They outshot the Crusaders 19-6 throughout the period.
• The Friars slipped the puck by freshman goalie Brooke Loranger to increase the lead at 1:04 in the third period.
• The Crusaders received their second power play of the game shortly after the goal, but couldn't find a way to answer back.
• Freshman Alexia Moreau won a faceoff in the offensive zone, quickly getting the puck to junior Bryn Saarela who sent in a quick wrist shot to the back of the net, cutting Providence's lead in half at 6:44.
• The Friars drew the final penalty of regulation with just over a minute remaining in the game. Loranger left the net, giving Holy Cross a two-skater advantage. Providence found the insurance goal with an empty net at 19:42. 

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

• Saarela tallied her sixth goal of the season. She holds the second-highest point total with 14. Junior Millie Sirum added her eighth assist on the year. 
• Loranger posted 38 saves, adding to her season total (298). She holds a 3.14 goals-against average and .909 save percentage.
• The Crusaders tallied 24 blocked shots. Sophomore Carmen Elliott led the team with 4.
• Senior Mary Edmonds led the Crusaders with 10 faceoff wins. 

UP NEXT: 

• Holy Cross remains on the road as they travel to Storrs, Conn. to face No. 15 UConn for the first time this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Toscano Family Ice Forum. 

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