EWING, N.J. -- The Bruins season comes to an end after getting beat 22-3 by Stevens Institute of Technology.
How It Happened
Stevens got off to a hot start to begin the first quarter, scoring three goals in a matter of five minutes. The Bruins struck back just moments later following a draw control by
Morgan Maxfield.
Merrick Gibson then found Maxfield wide open on the right side of the net, scoring to bring the deficit down to 3-1. The Ducks scored immediately after, though, as Alison Lax found the back of the net on a great individual effort. Another charge to the net found a fifth goal for the Ducks, finding a sixth just two minutes later.
The Bruins found themselves with a chance to score following a key save by
Myah Pack, but couldn't convert after
Naomi Rauch's shot was saved by the keeper. Stevens went immediately into their transition offense, scoring their seventh goal of the quarter with just 0:31 seconds left in the quarter. Eight seconds later, they scored again, securing the draw and taking the ball directly to the net. Pack recorded yet another save right as time expired in the quarter, as the Bruins finished the first down 8-1.
The Ducks opened the second quarter with a goal just three minutes in, finding a cutter just in front of the net to extend the lead to eight. The Ducks went on to score three goals in under three minutes, winning each draw control and scoring immediately on the offensive possession. Two minutes later, following a turnover by
Stela Flores, the Ducks scored another goal in transition. Four more goals found the back of the net for the Ducks in the second quarter, giving them a halftime lead of 17-1.
After halftime, the Ducks offense slowed down a little bit. Three minutes into the second half, Alison Murray found the back of the net with an assist by Anna Velardi. The Bruins bounced back with 4:41 left to go after forcing a turnover in the defensive half. It took them just 15 seconds to find the back of the net, as Maxfield found Gibson for the Bruins' second goal of the game. A groove was now set, and following a save by Pack, the Bruins' transition offense struck again. Maxfield notched her third goal contribution after slotting a pass to
Claire Abraham to make the score 18-3. The Ducks rounded out their scoring with a goal as time expired, but the Bruins split the third quarter 2-2.
The Bruins got off to a good start in the fourth quarter, getting a quality look at goal with a shot from Rauch. The Ducks struck a couple of minutes later, getting a wide-open look at goal after a turnover by Pack, making the score 20-3. They didn't score again until just over five minutes left to go in the game, scoring on a free position attempt. Their final goal came at the 1:31 mark, making the final score 22-3.
Top Performers
Despite letting in 22 goals, Pack still limited a ton of damage by racking up a career-high 13 saves. Maxfield also finished with a goal and two assists, contributing to all three goals scored.
Coach's Thoughts
"We had a well-fought season," said Bruins head coach
Jordyn Merkel. "It's sad that it's come to an end, but the seniors definitely left a legacy."
Why It Matters
The Bruins' season comes to a close after a first-round exit in the NCAA tournament. They look to battle back next year and continue their streak of 83 consecutive conference game wins.
What Happens Next
The Bruins will be back in action in February, 2026. Their schedule is TBA, but keep an eye out for it to be released later in the year.