Women’s Ice Hockey Blanks MCLA, 2-0

NASHUA, N.H. – The Rivier women's ice hockey team blanked the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), 2-0, in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) bout on Mental Health Awareness at Conway Arena.

The Raiders closed out their home schedule for the 2024-25 regular season with a 12-10-1 record (9-4-1 MASCAC), while the Trailblazers fell to 9-14-1 (3-10-1 MASCAC).

Despite a scoreless first period, Rivier controlled the offensive play, outshooting MCLA 12-7. The Raiders continued to apply pressure early in the second, breaking the deadlock at the 4:22 mark. First-year forward Keegan McGaheran forced a turnover and set up senior forward Briana Paxson, who capitalized to put Rivier on the board.

Later in the period, the Raiders took advantage of their lone power-play opportunity. After a clean offensive-zone faceoff win, junior forward Brianna Rumptz deflected the puck, allowing Paxson to recover and find junior defender Jillian Hallee at the point. Hallee fired a shot on net, which Paxson tipped in for her second goal of the night, extending Rivier's lead to 2-0.

Heading into the third period, the Raiders had outshot MCLA 31-10. The Trailblazers gained momentum late in the game with a power-play opportunity, recording six shots during that span. With 54 seconds remaining, MCLA pulled its goalie in a last-ditch effort but was unable to break through, as Rivier held on for the shutout victory.

Senior goaltender Rachel Hinkley stopped all 18 shots she faced, securing her fourth shutout of the season. Sophomore forward Rebecca McKelvey led the team with 11 shots, while Rivier dominated at faceoff dot, winning 29 draws to MCLA's 19.

The Raiders wrap up their regular season on the road, facing MCLA in the second half of the home-and-home series. Puck drop is set for 5 p.m. at Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rink in North Adams, Mass.