The Crimson entered the 34th Annual Women’s Beanpot Tournament searching for its 14th title, which would have left Harvard tied with Northeastern for the most all-time.

Although a tough opening-round loss to Boston University left the Crimson in the consolation game for this year’s Beanpot, a top-ten matchup between No. 6 Boston College and No. 8 Harvard was sure to bring the best out of both teams.

The Crimson (16-8-1, 13-4-1 ECAC) managed to outshoot the Eagles, 35-29, but two second period BC goals ended up being the difference as the Crimson fell, 4-2.

The second frame tallies by BC was a flip on Harvard’s usually-dominating middle period offense.

The Crimson has scored more goals this season in the second frame than in any other period, including seven goals in its NCAA record-tying performance against Princeton on Saturday.

The Eagles (19-8-3, 11-4-2 WHEA) and its goaltender Corinne Boyles, who had 33 saves on the night, managed to stifle the Harvard offense in the middle period, despite the Crimson’s typical success during this time.

NOT-SO-SPECIAL TEAMS

Despite numerous chances, Harvard was not able to take full advantage of the eight BC penalties, with its lone power-play goal coming 9:05 into the third period.

For the tally, junior forward Jillian Dempsey pounced on a loose puck behind the net and took advantage of the out-of-position Boyles, giving Dempsey her team-leading 22nd score of the season.

The goal cut the Eagles’ lead within two, but Dempsey’s finish turned out to be the final tally of the night for the Crimson.

On the flip side, the Boston College power play was extremely efficient.

The Eagles managed to score on two-out-of-three power-play opportunities. Both goals came in the decisive second frame when BC turned a 1-1 first period deadlock into a commanding 3-1 lead.

But Harvard coach Katey Stone remained positive about her squad’s power play.

“We had 14 shots on the power play, which isn’t bad,” Stone said. “Their goalie popped out some rebounds, we just couldn’t take advantage. Their best penalty killer was the goaltender. All we can do is work on it in practice on Thursday, and get right back at it this Friday.”

SLUGGISH STARTS