MARLBORO – They are the only team to have ever claimed the New England Future Stars Girls Varsity Division Championship. But, after back-to-back 3-0 victories to open their title defense in 2016, the Marlboro Thunder (2-0-1) have hit their first stumbling block on their road to repeat. They fell to the Boston Brahmas (2-0-1) 3-2 in a shootout on Sunday at Navin Arena.

The Brahmas carried possession throughout the first period, but struggled to get any consistent, deep penetration through the Thunder’s defensive ranks. While Marlboro seemed to have fewer offensive opportunities, they proved to be the more opportunistic in the frame. Steph Caban cashing in late, a rebound goal at 12:01 to but the home side up 1-0.

Play became more balanced in the second and with that the score became balanced as well. The Brahmas evened it up on a power play goal from Jori Balsam at 8:40 for a 1-1 tie lasted through the end of the second and deep into the final period.

With preparations for overtime looming, the tie was broken as Emma Kelly lofted a shot on net from the blue line that found its way through to put the Brahmas up 2-1 at 11:40 of the third. Just 40-seconds later, however, the date for overtime was back on, Lisa Spagnuolo doing the work to get Marlboro back to even at 2-2.

The first two shooters for both teams were unable to convert on their bids, bringing the game’s conclusion down to the shootout’s final round. After opening the game’s scoring, Caban looked to close it out, moving in on Ashleigh Marini with speed, but the Brahmas netminder was able to get to the quick snap from the Thunder defender.

With the game on the line, Amy Le made a slow approach, drew Thunder goalie Kirsten DiCicco wide and got off a low shot that just managed to trickle it’s way through and across the goal line. The only goal of the shootout sending the Brahmas home with a 3-2 victory.