New Hampshire Powers Past Boston College with Special Teams Surge
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Boston College made a push in the second period, but New Hampshire’s special teams and timely responses proved too much to overcome. The Wildcats left Kelley Rink on Saturday afternoon with a 6-2 win, riding a dominant first period and clutch scoring down the stretch.
Let’s start with the opening frame - a stretch where New Hampshire came out flying and never really looked back. The Wildcats punched in three goals in under five minutes, starting at 8:04, then capitalizing on back-to-back power plays at 10:22 and 12:56. That quick-strike offense gave them a 3-0 cushion heading into the first intermission and set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
But credit to Boston College - they didn’t fold. The Eagles regrouped and found their rhythm in the second period, sparked by a power-play tally from Kate Ham at 6:47.
Madelyn Murphy set it up with a clean feed, and Ham buried it to get BC on the board. That goal gave the Eagles some life, and they built on it midway through the period.
At 13:09, Murphy turned scorer, finishing a play set up by Ava Thomas and Olivia Maffeo to cut the deficit to 3-2.
Just as momentum seemed to swing Boston College’s way, New Hampshire had the answer - and fast. Only 25 seconds after Murphy’s goal, the Wildcats struck again, halting the Eagles’ surge and pushing the lead back to two.
From there, New Hampshire tightened things up and continued to capitalize on special teams. They added another power-play goal in the third period at 11:46, and then sealed it with a shorthanded dagger at 15:50 - a backbreaker that turned a solid win into a statement.
Senior goaltender Grace Campbell did her part in net for BC, turning aside 24 shots. The Eagles actually outshot the Wildcats 42-30, but the difference came in the details - New Hampshire made their chances count, especially when skating with a man advantage or down a skater.
For Boston College, the shot volume was there, but the finish wasn’t. For New Hampshire, it was all about execution - particularly on special teams, where they cashed in three power-play goals and added a shorty for good measure. That kind of efficiency is tough to beat, even when you’re winning the shot battle.
This one will sting for the Eagles, especially after clawing back to within one, but there’s plenty to build on - especially the second-period push. For the Wildcats, it’s another strong showing in a season where their special teams continue to be a difference-maker.