By: Alexis Caines | Follow me on Twitter/X @alexiscaines_

It was a frustrating night for The Boston Fleet, falling 3-1 at home, despite 30 shots on net. The Semifinal series is now tied 1-1. They’ll head up to Ottawa for Game Three and Game Four, which is now necessary.

The Fleet were without defender Rylind MacKinnon, who was suspended for one game after an illegal hit to Ottawa’s Gabbie Hughes. MacKinnon received a five-minute major and game misconduct when it first occurred. They activated Noemi Neubauerová from the reserve list, and she slotted in as the seventh defender.

The Fleet came out strong, firing pucks on net on both the power-play and even strength. But it was no dice against Gwyneth Phillips.

It was Ronja Savolainen who scored first, rifling one past Aerin Frankel for a first period lead. Rookie Rory Guilday notched the assist; she now has two points in her first two playoff games.

Early in the second frame, Ottawa doubled their lead. Fanuza Kadirova deflected a shot up and over Frankel’s glove. Ottawa remained in control for most of the period, making the Fleet blueliners put in the work.

The Fleet made a late push, recording five shots on goal in the last two minutes. Megan Keller scored her first career playoff goal just as the period expired, cutting the lead in half.

Rookie Abby Newhook recorded the primary assist and her first career playoff point as well. Alina Müller notched the secondary, adding to her prior playoff success.

The chippy gameplay continued into the third, though it was marked by a lack of calls. In the entire game, the Fleet only got two looks at their power-play: scoreless on each.

Philips was a brick wall on a few breakaway attempts. Ella Huber had two, and in the game, she recorded five shots in 13:15 on ice.

The Charge were able to score on the empty net, ending the game 3-1. Philips made 30 saves between the pipes for the visitors.

After the game, Fleet Head Coach Kris Sparre spoke with the media, highlighting how frustrating it was to not get pucks in the back of the net, yet that he wouldn’t change much heading into Friday.

The teams will meet for Game Three on Friday, May 8th. They’ll be playing at Canadian Tire Centere, home of the recently eliminated Ottawa Senators.