BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (February 28, 2026) – The Stonehill College women’s hockey team secured a spot in the NEWHA Semifinals with a 4–3 overtime victory over Long Island University on Saturday at Bridgewater Ice Arena. The Skyhawks now hold an overall record of 18-16-2, while LIU’s season concludes at 18-17-1.

Key Performances Propel Stonehill

First-year student Summer Combe and senior Lily Barrett led the Skyhawks with multi-point performances, each contributing a goal and an assist.

Senior Sydney Russell scored her sixth goal of the season, and sophomore Seina Spadone netted the game-winning goal in overtime – her second career game-winner.

Seniors Bailey Feeney, Lily Geist, and Lucie Turcotte, along with first-year student Payton Palsa and Masyn Mullin, each added an assist to the winning effort.

Palsa and senior Mia Kenmore dominated the faceoff circle, winning 19 of 28 attempts.

Senior goaltender Eve Stone earned her ninth win of the season, making 35 saves.

Game Recap: A Back-and-Forth Battle

Stonehill quickly established a lead in the early minutes of the second game of their NEWHA quarterfinal series against LIU, jumping to a 2-0 advantage within the first 2:30 of the opening period.

Barrett opened the scoring with her third goal of the season at the 1:21 mark, and Russell followed with a blast from the point at 2:30 to give the Skyhawks an early two-goal cushion.

The Skyhawks continued their offensive pressure, with Combe adding her second goal of the playoffs and 10th of the season at 11:14, extending the lead to 3-0.

LIU responded at 13:01 with a goal from Evelyn Latka, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

The second period saw a shift in momentum, with LIU outshooting Stonehill 12-6 and scoring twice to tie the game. Emma Mörtl scored at 8:51, and Grace Babington tied the score at 11:30.

Despite LIU’s pressure in the third period, Stone and the Skyhawks’ defense held strong, forcing the game into overtime. Stonehill successfully killed off a five-on-three penalty late in regulation, thanks to key blocks from Maddi Achtyl, Feeney, and Russell.

In overtime, Stonehill maintained offensive pressure, culminating in Spadone’s game-winning goal at 7:19, following a faceoff win by Palsa.

After a faceoff win by Palsa, Combe found Spadone open at the far post. Spadone chipped the puck home for her second career game-winning goal, sealing a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory and sparking celebration as the Skyhawks advanced to the semifinals.

Next Up: NEWHA Semifinals

Stonehill College (18–16–2, 16–10–2 NEWHA) will compete in the Semifinal round of the NEWHA Tournament on March 4th at Jason Ritchie Ice Arena.