PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Freshman Anna Billa scored the first two goals of her collegiate career, but the 14th-ranked Holy Cross women's ice hockey team was defeated by Providence 3-2 at Schneider Arena. The Crusaders fall to 18-11-3 on the season and 10-10-3 in Hockey East, while the Friars improve to 11-19-2 overall and 8-12-2 in the conference.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 
• Providence opened the scoring in the first period on a goal by Jessie Pellerin.
• Just 10 seconds into the second period, Reichen Kirchmair scored to put the Friars up 2-0.
• Later in the second period, Billa netted her first goal of the day to cut the deficit to 2-1.
• In the third period, Pellerin found the net again to increase the Providence lead to 3-1.
• Billa would score again with 14.2 seconds remaining to make it a one-goal game, but the Friars were able to hold on for the win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
• Senior Abby Hornung made 27 saves on the day. 
• Providence finished the game with a 30-25 advantage in shots on goal.

NEXT UP:
• Holy Cross returns to action on Friday, Feb. 20, when it plays host to Vermont in its regular season finale at 6 p.m.

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS 
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