Fleet Defender Comes Up Huge In Boston’s First Win of Season

LOWELL, Mass. — The Boston Fleet won their first game of the season on Sunday with a 4-2 victory over the New York Sirens at Tsongas Center.

The Fleet entered Sunday’s game as the only team in the league without a win but will enter the league’s nine-day international break with a 1-2-0 record.

While eight Boston players earned points across the Fleet’s four goals, defender Megan Keller potted the game-winner and insurance goals in the third period. Keller knew it was important to end the two-game losing skid and get in the win column.

“I think we learned that last year when we had to fight and claw to get into the playoffs, which allowed us to go through some adversity early,” Keller said. “When you can get a better start to the season, that’s always helpful, and just really excited to pull out that win. It’s a lot of fun in this building.”

Fleet head coach Courtney Kessel sang Keller’s praises after Boston’s win.

“She’s tremendous. I said in the locker room, ‘She’s the best D in the world,’ and I stand by that,” Kessel said. “I think if she shows up every game, there’s no one in the league that can beat us.”

Keller and her Fleet teammates did test fate just a little bit when Boston found itself shorthanded for six minutes in the third period. Keller herself landed in the box for tripping, with Boston holding onto a 3-2 lead.

“Super thankful to have Aerin (Frankel) back there (in net),” Keller said. “Every single game, she shows up, and she’s our brick wall back there. So happy to get that win for her because she deserves it. She kept us in a lot of games, so it was nice to put the puck in the back of the net for a few for her.

“She plays with no heartbeat. She never gets fazed. There’ll be five rebounds, and somehow, she’ll get every single one. So we’re lucky to have her on our team and excited to get that win for her.”

With their first win secured, the Fleet will next host the Ottawa Charge on Dec. 17 at the Tsongas Center.