Ninth-ranked Minnesota Duluth finished off a season-opening sweep of fourth-ranked Boston College on Saturday with a 2-1 nonconference victory before a crowd of 832 at Amsoil Arena.
Both Bulldogs goals came in the opening period with junior wing Ryleigh Houston picking up her third goal of the season 3:33 into the game and freshman defenseman Maggie Flaherty scoring her first collegiate goal on a power play with less than four minutes to play in the first.
Junior goaltender Maddie Rooney stopped 26 of the 27 shots she faced as the Eagles were able to pull within one late in the second period via a power-play goal by freshman wing Savannah Norcross.
The Bulldogs were whistled for five penalties totaling 10 minutes, but they killed four of Boston College's five advantages.
Flaherty was one of nine freshmen coach Maura Crowell suited up this weekend, with five finding the scoresheet. Flaherty had a goal and assist Saturday after defenseman Lizi Norton did the same Friday. Defenseman Kailee Skinner finished the weekend with three assists.
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The Bulldogs won 4-2 on Friday over Boston College, which was picked to win Hockey East.
Two years ago, UMD picked up a tie and win over the Eagles at home to open the season. That year the Bulldogs went on to win 25 games and host an NCAA quarterfinal game at Amsoil Arena, snapping a five-year NCAA tournament drought.
The Bulldogs remain home next weekend to open WCHA play against third-ranked Minnesota at 7:07 p.m. Friday and 3:07 p.m. Saturday. Saturday's game is part of a men's and women's doubleheader against the Gophers. The men will raise their 2017-18 NCAA championship banner prior to their 7:07 p.m. puck drop Saturday.
Boston College 0-1-0-1
Minnesota Duluth 2-0-0-2
First period - 1. UMD, Ryleigh Houston 3 (Maggie Flaherty), 3:33; 2. UMD, Flaherty 1 (Kailee Skinner, Anneke Linser), 16:21.
Second period - 2. BC, Savannah Norcross 1 (Erin Connolly, Kelly Browne), 16:29.
Third period - No scoring.
Saves - Maddy McArthur, BC, 9-5-7-21; Maddie Rooney, UMD, 9-10-7-26.
