UMass 1, Boston College 1

Hockey
Joe Meloni

Will Ortiz hit a streaking Mike Kostka in the low slot to beat John Muse and even the score at 1-1. The Eagles scored the games first goal in the second minute of the period when freshman winger Joe Whitney spotted a wide open Nathan Gerbe and an equally barren passing lane to Paul Dainton's left. Gerbe one-timed it past the UMass goaltender.

Both goals were scored on the power play.

The game is getting increasingly physical as it progresses. The BC defenders have taken every chance they can to rough up UMass's smaller forwards, namely Ortiz and James Marcou.

The shots on goal slanted heavily in favor of the Minutemen at 26-17. BC freshman net minder John Muse is doing a wonderful job replacing the departed Cory Schneider. On the other end, UMass freshman Paul Dainton is making the saves he should make. The BC goal was simply a wonderful passing play made by two of Hockey East's most dynamic forwards.

The UMass men's soccer team's game was slated for 8 p.m., but the previous game - between Charlotte and Saint Louis - just ended with the 49ers winning 3-2 on penalty kicks after a scoreless regulation and overtime period.

Saint Louis was the tournament's top seed, but Charlotte goalkeeper David Martin made three saves on five PK chances for the Billikens.

UMass takes on Rhode Island later this evening. The Rams beat UMass, 3-1, earlier this season in Amherst.