Sophomore Alyssa Norden added two power-play goals in the third period as the Spartans took down the Bishops, 3-1, at Canton SportsPlex in a rematch of last year's Division 1 semifinal.

Doucette's highlight-reel tally set the tone for the final 16 minutes, with the goal coming with 55 seconds left in the second. The Spartans (1-1-0) spent a chunk of the third on the power play after the Bishops (1-1-0) took a major penalty, allowing St. Mary's to take control of the game.

"The defender's stick was out a lot," Doucette said. "So I thought if I trick her and go around her, I'd be able to get a far shot on net."

Norden crashed the net for a rebound early in the third for the reigning Division 1 state champions, putting them up by a pair, before finding room in the high slot for her second on an extended 5-on-3 power play.

The sophomore moved to center this year, presenting new challenges but also giving her more license in front of the net -- one of her strong suits.

"Her, Keira [Twomey], and Emma are starting to work well together," coach Frank Pagliuca said. "It was very encouraging what I saw out of that line, particularly on the power play."

The Spartans took down the Bishops, 2-1 in overtime, on the way to the state title a year ago, but they fell in their opener, 5-1 to Bishop Feehan, in what Norden called an "eye-opener." But they found a strong response in a bounce-back win.

"We thought we would go out and just do what we did [last year], and we didn't get the result we wanted," Norden said. "We came back today with a higher intensity and the mindset that we need to step it up this year."