CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard women's ice hockey came up short in a tight 1-0 loss against Northeastern in the semifinal of the 2024 Dunkin' Women's Beanpot. Goalie and team captain, Alex Pellicci, was stellar against the Huskies in a defensive showdown, logging 39 saves and a season-best .974 save percentage.
 
The Crimson showcased excellent defensive hustle against the Huskies, blocking an incredible 30 shots compared to Northeastern's 11 blocks. Defender Mia Biotti blocked a game-high five shots, keeping the Crimson in a one-shot game for the whole 60 minutes.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Pellicci orchestrated a strong first five minutes, logging four saves and keeping Northeastern off the scoreboard. The Prior Lake, Minn. native finished the first period with 11 saves. 
• Northeastern capitalized on the power play with 8:18 left in the first period, as Northeastern found the back of the net for the opening score of the Beanpot semifinal.
• Harvard's best scoring chance of the first period came late, as the MacDonald sisters forced consecutive close range saves from Northeastern's keeper Gwyneth Phillips.
• The Crimson defense showcased its toughness in the first period, blocking eight shots compared to the Huskies' three blocks.
• The second period opened with Harvard establishing an attacking rhythm, as defender Jenna MacDonald and forward Gabi Davidson Adams each fired off shots in the first five minutes of the second frame.
• With 9:45 remaining in the second period, forward Hannah Chorske forced a turnover near Northeastern's blue line, but Phillips saved Chorske's breakaway shot to keep the Huskies ahead.
• Harvard nearly leveled the score in the final minute of the second period. On a three-on-one, forward Sophie Ensley fired a shot that Phillips deflected away.
• Through 40 minutes of action, Pellicci posted 25 saves and a .962 save percentage.
• Both defenses played the third period strong, denying any clear attacking chances.
• The Huskies withstood a relentless Crimson effort down the stretch, clinging on to a 1-0 lead that would hold at the final buzzer.

HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS:

• Pellicci was a standout for the Crimson in the Beanpot semifinals, saving a game-high 39 saves and posting a season-best .974 save percentage.
• The Crimson blocked 30 shots against the Huskies, a single-game high this year.
• Biotti led Harvard in blocks with five, one shy of her season-high. 

UP NEXT:
 
Harvard and Boston College will meet in the Beanpot consolation round, facing off at TD Garden on Tuesday, Jan. 23. Fans can watch the contest live on NESN.
 
Prior to Beanpot consolation round, the Crimson travel north to Troy, N.Y. on Friday, Jan. 19 for a 6 p.m. contest against RPI. Fans can stream the ECAC Hockey game on ESPN+.