Huskies Advance to NEPSAC Small School Semifinals with Redemption Win Over Rivers

The Huskies began their quest for a fourth consecutive NEPSAC Small School Championship with a tough road matchup against the #2 seed, The Rivers School, entering the game as the #7 seed. The two teams had met earlier in the season in the opening game of the Dexter Holiday Tournament, where Rivers narrowly edged an inexperienced Huskies squad 1–0. This time, however, the stakes were much higher. The game started at a fast pace, with both teams bringing intensity and urgency knowing what was on the line. Early in the first period, the play went back and forth as each side generated quality scoring chances while matching each other’s effort and physicality. Rivers eventually broke through first, capitalizing on an opportunity with about five minutes remaining in the period to take a 1–0 lead. The Huskies, however, did not back down. Just minutes later, senior Lily Thomas ’26 responded with a gritty goal in front of the net, battling through traffic to tie the game at 1–1. The goal validated the Huskies’ hard work and energized the bench, fueling their effort for the remainder of the contest. The second period belonged largely to Rivers, who came on strong and tested the Huskies with sustained offensive pressure. Several Huskies penalties forced the team to rely on their penalty kill, but goaltender Elizabeth Vincent ’27 stood tall between the pipes. Vincent was a rock in net, turning away countless scoring opportunities and giving the Huskies the confidence to stay in the fight. Junior captain Emma MacPherson ’27 delivered one of the biggest moments of the game during a penalty kill. After blocking a shot in the defensive zone, MacPherson carried the puck the length of the ice and fired home a shorthanded goal to give the Huskies a 2–1 lead. The play ignited the Huskies’ energy and gave them the momentum heading into the third period. The final frame remained tightly contested as both teams battled hard. Rivers continued to push for the equalizer, but the Huskies elevated their play, showing poise and confidence under pressure. Strong defensive zone coverage, key penalty kills, and smart puck management helped the Huskies protect their lead while keeping the puck deep in Rivers’ zone. With Rivers pressing late and the net empty, MacPherson sealed the victory with her second goal of the night, burying an empty-netter with just 18 seconds remaining to secure the 3–1 win and send the Huskies to the semifinals. With the victory, the Huskies keep their season alive and move on to face Cushing Academy in the NEPSAC Small School Semifinals on Saturday, March 7 at 1:30 p.m., as they continue their pursuit of a fourth straight championship.