Women’s college hockey: Bea Flynn’s third-period goal lifts Amherst past Middlebury for NESCAC title (PHOTOS)

Amherst College goalkeeper Natalie Stott celebrates with Ayla Abban (4), Marie-Eve Marleau (5) and Anna Baxter (16) after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College goalkeeper Natalie Stott celebrates with Ayla Abban (4), Marie-Eve Marleau (5) and Anna Baxter (16) after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College players storm the ice to celebrate their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College players storm the ice to celebrate their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College goalkeeper Natalie Stott celebrates with Ayla Abban (4) after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College goalkeeper Natalie Stott celebrates with Ayla Abban (4) after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College goalkeeper Natalie Stott celebrates with Marie-Eve Marleau (5) and Anna Baxter (16) after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College goalkeeper Natalie Stott celebrates with Marie-Eve Marleau (5) and Anna Baxter (16) after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College’s Gretchen Dann, right, and Marie-Eve Marleau celebrate after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College’s Gretchen Dann, right, and Marie-Eve Marleau celebrate after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College players and coaches pose for a team photo after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College players and coaches pose for a team photo after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College players pose for a team photo in front of their fans after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College players pose for a team photo in front of their fans after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College fans cheer after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College fans cheer after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College players celebrate their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College players celebrate their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College’s Bea Flynn (22) scores against Middlebury in the third period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College’s Bea Flynn (22) scores against Middlebury in the third period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College’s Bea Flynn (22) celebrates after scoring against Middlebury in the third period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College’s Bea Flynn (22) celebrates after scoring against Middlebury in the third period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College’s Bea Flynn (22) celebrates after scoring against Middlebury in the third period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College’s Bea Flynn (22) celebrates after scoring against Middlebury in the third period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College’s Bea Flynn (22) maneuvers the puck against Middlebury in the third period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College’s Bea Flynn (22) maneuvers the puck against Middlebury in the third period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College’s Maeve Reynolds (9) fires a shot against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College’s Maeve Reynolds (9) fires a shot against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College goaltender Natalie Stott makes a save against Middlebury in the third period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College goaltender Natalie Stott makes a save against Middlebury in the third period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College’s Maeve Reynolds (9) maneuvers the puck against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College’s Maeve Reynolds (9) maneuvers the puck against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College’s Annabel Raffin (24) fires a shot against Middlebury in the third period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College’s Annabel Raffin (24) fires a shot against Middlebury in the third period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College’s Alyssa Xu (15) maneuvers the puck against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College’s Alyssa Xu (15) maneuvers the puck against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College faces off against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College faces off against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College’s Ayla Abban (4) carries the puck in the corner against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College’s Ayla Abban (4) carries the puck in the corner against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College players fight for the puck in front of the net against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College players fight for the puck in front of the net against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College’s Bea Flynn (22) carries the puck up the boards against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College’s Bea Flynn (22) carries the puck up the boards against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College’s Sami Lester (11) chases down the puck against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College’s Sami Lester (11) chases down the puck against Middlebury in the second period of the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College players line up after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College players line up after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College players line up after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College players line up after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College players line up after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College players line up after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College players line up after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College players line up after their 1-0 win over Middlebury for the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

Amherst College captains Anna Baxter, left, and Emily Hohmann pose for a photo with the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship trophy on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst.

Amherst College captains Anna Baxter, left, and Emily Hohmann pose for a photo with the NESCAC Women's Ice Hockey Championship trophy on Sunday at Orr Rink in Amherst. PHOTO BY DAN LITTLE

By RYAN AMES

Staff Writer

Published: 03-09-2025 7:21 PM

Modified: 03-09-2025 8:44 PM

AMHERST – The third time was the charm.

The top-seeded Amherst College women’s hockey team took down No. 2 Middlebury, 1-0, to claim the NESCAC title on Sunday afternoon at Orr Rink.

The Mammoths (21-5-1) went winless in their first two meetings against the Panthers on the road during the regular season (tie and loss), but won the third matchup for their sixth NESCAC championship in program history.

“Incredibly proud of their accomplishments throughout the year and how they’ve battled through adversity, which good teams do and great people do and they’re a great group of people,” Amherst head coach Jeff Matthews said. “I couldn’t be prouder of them for winning the championship and coming out on the right side of the score today. Something they’ll never forget.”

Freshman Bea Flynn scored the deciding goal for the Mammoths in the third period. The forward’s 11th tally of the year, combined with a 17-save shutout from junior goalie Natalie Stott pushed Amherst to its second NESCAC crown in three seasons, last winning in 2023.

“It makes it a lot more special, we knew it was going to be a battle,” Stott said. “Obviously we went up to Middlebury for those two games and we didn’t come back with a win so I think that really made everyone a little extra motivated to get one here.”

The Panthers (20-6-1) looked every bit as good as their top ranking suggested during the first period on Sunday. Middlebury outshot the Mammoths, 8-4, in the first 20 minutes, with five of them coming on a Panthers power play.

Stott stood tall though and admitted after the game that getting barraged early helped the former Williston Northampton standout –who’s already one of the top netminders in the nation – lock-in the rest of the way.

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“It’s always nice when I can settle in by getting a good amount of saves under my belt,” Stott said. “That definitely helped I think carry the momentum throughout the rest of the game.”

Middlebury goalie Sophia Merageas is no slouch either as the Panthers goaltender entered Sunday’s final with just 11 goals allowed on the season, which led the nation. That didn’t scare off the Purple-and-White though, as they found their stride in the second and peppered Merageas with 13 shots on goal.

“They had a lot of zone-time in the first period,” Matthews said. “I thought we kept it together well under pressure, kept our poise. Natalie made some big saves early on and then thought we got our legs under us more and more as that game went on. We executed better and better as the game progressed.”

“We went into the locker room after the first period and I think we were all kind of feeling lucky that it was still a 0-0 game, so we knew that we had to come out and play Amherst hockey,” Stott added. “I don’t think we really showed what we could do in the first period. We really turned on the jets I think in the second and third.”

The Mammoths sent four more shots on Merageas in the third before Flynn broke through with her pretty strike from the slot at 5 minutes, 22 seconds. Fellow freshman Ayla Abban feed Flynn right in front with a heads-up pass and No. 22 one-timed it past the Middlebury goalie for the title-clincher.

Amherst totaled 10 shots in the final period as it concluded the game with a 27-18 advantage in pucks on net.

“Couldn’t be prouder of those two, thought it was fitting that they connected for that goal,” Matthews said on Flynn and Abban. “They’ve had a great year and they’re fantastic people and very humble, great teammates, so the team was super happy for them.”

In the special teams category, the Mammoths went 0-for-1 on the man-advantage, but killed off all three Panthers power plays.

Stott’s 13th clean slate of the season (.960 season save percentage), plus two combined points from two of the Mammoths’ top-three scorers (Flynn has 20 points, Abban has 19), highlighted Amherst’s victory, which earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Division 3 women’s tournament and secured a bye as a top-four seed. The team will play the winner of the first-round game between Colby and Wilkes in the quarterfinal round at a date and location to be determined.

“I think that’s definitely huge for us, because now we get two weeks to practice without having to prepare for a game,” Stott said. “So we can kind of recover and I think the bye will be big because this was obviously a tough weekend of hockey. Getting a weekend off from games we can work on getting ready for two weeks [from now].”