Boston College Women’s Hockey Falls in Hockey East Championship, 3-2

#4 Boston College Eagles women’s hockey could not seal the deal on Sunday afternoon, ending their Hockey East season with a bitter defeat at the hands of a rival.

In the Hockey East championship game in Hyannis, the Eagles were defeated by the Boston University Terriers, 3-2. The Eagles missed out on an opportunity to win their second conference title all-time.

Boston College took a 2-1 lead into the third period, with the Eagles getting goals from Dana Trivigno and Taylor Wasylk. Early in the third, the Terriers tied the game on a power play goal by Louise Warren, as Haley McLean of the Eagles had been sent off for interference. The game now tied, Boston University would go on to score the game-winner at the 8:12 mark of the third, getting the score from Maddie Elia.

The Terriers’ Kerrin Sperry made 40 saves in the come-from-behind victory; Corinne Boyles took the loss while making 31 saves in defeat.

Aside from being a disappointing loss for Boston College from the perspective of winning a conference championship, this game will have implications beyond Sunday. Given that the NCAA Tournament for the ladies is smaller than the men’s tournament — just eight teams qualify — Boston College has put themselves in a difficult position. Boston University will get the automatic bid while the Eagles, still relatively likely to qualify, will sacrifice seeding.

Since the opening round is hosted at campus sites, today’s loss virtually ensures that the Eagles will be on the road, making their path to the Frozen Four more difficult to navigate.

Fortunately, we will not have to wait long to find out, as the selection show is tonight.