Match reports 2013-2014
Webcast Sat, 1 Feb 2014 Hamilton Women 2 - Middlebury 3
At Saturday's matinee the Hamilton Continentals fell to the Panthers of Middlebury in OT. Hamilton played a strong game and went very close to winning the contest.
Both sides were lost in the passing lanes to start the match. Early in the second period Middlebury junior Emily Fluke converted at the far post during a power play to make it 0-1. The Panthers went up by two when class fellow Laura McConney's point shot found the back of the net. Nevertheless Hamilton struck back when senior Stephanie Lang dusted a Middlebury defender to complete a lovely breakaway and bring the scoreline to 1-2. Near the end of the final frame the Continentals tied the score at 2-2. Lang's initial shot from the near slot came to first-year Megan Ahern who hit home from the far slot just after a power play was over. At the start of the overtime the Panthers won it (2-3) when Fluke squeezed the puck home from close range.
While the New England Groundhog devised a shadowy show, the Emilians and Carlys enchanted the Sage ice with lovely neige. Middlebury's movement off the puck was below par. Junior attacker Hannah Bielawski was on song. Her skating and passing were delightful. Madeline Joyce was the team player parfait. Senior Joyce was inevitably there for her mates. Hamilton played well as a team. Lang motored the ice and played with poise. Teal Gosselin showed lots of style at both ends of the ice. The plucky fresher pulled it all together.
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Webcast Fri, 31 Jan 2014 Hamilton Women 0 - Middlebury 3
Friday evening at Sage Rink the Hamilton Continentals lost to the Panthers of Middlebury (0-3). Hamilton did not go for it and that gave the Panthers oodles of space to attack.
The Middlebury passing was not what it could be at the start of the affair. The Continentals kept things in check until the Panthers scored two power play goals. To start, second-year Katie Mandigo found the top corner to make it 0-1. Next junior Emily Fluke finished a lovely pass at the near post by hammering the puck into the back of the net for a nil-two margin. The middle phase began slow and featured lots of infractions. Middlebury made it 0-3 during a 5 on 3 power play when third-year Hannah Bielawski laid on a lovely pass for classmate Katie Sullivan to drill home. Lovely play. The scoreless climax left lots to be desired.
Middlebury's skating was good. Fresher Carly Watson's touch was superb. In goal junior Annabelle Jones kept a clean crease with her adept eyes. Fluke had lovely positioning with her speedy skates. The Emilians were up against it. Hamilton tried to keep things under control however took too may trips to the sin bin. Fresher Teal Gosselin's dynamic movement brought an edge to the Continentals' game. Sophy Naomi Woolfenden played smart defense and was a steady, settling force.
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Webcast Sat, 18 Jan 2014 Amherst Women 5 - Middlebury 5
Saturday afternoon at Orr Rink the Amherst Lord Jeffs and the Panthers of Middlebury played to a five all draw. Middlebury combined brilliant passing with clever skating to put on a display of lovely hockey.
Midd started the match by buzzing the Amherst net. That resulted in a 1-0 lead when senior Sara Ugalde finished. The Panthers kept up the press but near the end of the period Amherst scored to tie things at one all. Halfway thru the middle segment Amherst converted a breakaway for a 2-1 advantage. Middlebury cranked up the volume and tied the score at two each when a lovely feed from sophy Carly Schaeder was blasted home during a power play by senior Jennifer Krakower. Lovely set. With a dash up the gut to start the finale Amherst went up 3-2. The Panthers scored to make it 3-3 on a power play when a pass from the point by fresher Carly Watson was concluded by junior Emily Fluke. Lovely goal. Midd made it 3-4 when third-year Mackenzie Martin took the puck from a face-off and drilled it home. Amherst replied during a power play to tie it at four all. Middlebury fresher Pam Schulman provided a nice comeback when she walked in and regained the lead (4-5). However Amherst knotted it at 5-5 with three minutes left. There was no more scoring in regulation or OT - just two exhausted teams.
Middlebury played the big ice game to move the puck furiously. Effervescent Schulman had a strong outing with her treacherous attacking gifts. Fluke played with grumba. She gave the other side fits as she swarmed the ice. With her pipe to pipe to pipe cover third-year Annabelle Jones was impressive in goal. It was shades of the other Panther - Jacques Plante - as Jones leaped on attempts near her net. Playing an intelligent game from the blue line first-year Jess Brownschidle was super. The woman of the match was Watson. Her sleek passing, dominating defensive style and magic hands were marvelous. Watson's lovely perspective was divine.
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Webcast Sat, 11 Jan 2014 Amherst Women 2 - Colby 1
Saturday afternoon the Amherst Lord Jeffs completed their sweep of the Colby Mules with a 2-1 win. While it looked like the Jeffs would pull away Colby stayed with them and produced an interesting finale.
At Orr Rink the first period was slow. The Jeffs opened the scoring with a power play point shot that defender Caitlyn Ryan drilled home for a one-nil advantage. In the closing minutes junior Tori Salmon made it 2-0 Amherst when she nailed the puck from the near slot. The Jeffs picked up the pace in the middle frame until a succession of penalties drained both sides. The conclusion found Colby coming back when first-year Kailey Buxbaum went end-to-end and finished to make the score 2-1. The Mules attempted to tie things up but Amherst were able to hold on.
The Mules started and ended the match with fast skating. Senior Brianne Wheeler made some lovely saves to keep her side close. On a mission, senior Samantha Slotnick was letting it rip. Her uptempo style reeked havoc. Slotnick's penalty kill skills were equally impressive. Amherst were working a number of sets today. Fresher Lynndy Smith put on a passing show from her defensive position. Her power play moves are lovely.
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Webcast Sat, 7 Dec 2013 Middlebury Women 5 - Castleton 0
Saturday afternoon at Kenyon the Panthers of Middlebury beat the Castleton Spartans 5-0. Castleton is solid, fast and play smart. Middlebury accomplished their design.
Both teams came out fast in the opening period. Middlebury went up 1-0 when fresher Pam Schulman tucked the puck in at the near post. The Spartans came back with some good attacking plans of their own. In the second each side had chances but neither finished. Near the start of the finale Middlebury exploded with two scores. First junior Hannah Bielawski buried her try from the slot to the far post to make it 2-0. Next classmate Emily Fluke nailed a rebound to extend it to 3-0 after a bang-bang play from Katie Sullivan and Bielawski. The Panthers collected 2 power play goals when second-year blue liner Julia Wardwell took the puck from a face-off in the Castleton end and finished it while senior defender Jennifer Krakower roofed her try from the side of the net - lovely goal - to conclude the scoring at 5-0.
While not exactly the flash and pass style of Colby's senior Samantha Slotnick at today's Southern Maine contest, Castleton are a strong skating side that features a deft defense. Sophomore Anna Daniels is a digger who never gives up. Another attacker Nicoline Jensen is a fast, clever skater. In goal junior Paula Stephens was an active goalie who coped well with the Midd invasion. She kept it simple. Speed was the Panthers' edge. Much of the Midd match was about composition. Sophy Carly Schaeder's soft hands developed deceptive passing that fashioned lovely situations for her mates. Bielawski took over in the third period orchestrating the barrage. Perky Schulman feels the net and illustrated the finer forms of pursuit. Wardwell's shorthanded play was intense. The gifted blue line partnership of Krakower and fresher Carly Watson was the woman of the match. They move so well off each other and establish excellence.
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Webcast Sat, 23 Nov 2013 Middlebury Women 7 - Trinity 0
Back at Kenyon Arena the Panthers of Middlebury defeated the Trinity Bantams (7-0). Saturday's reprise found the Bantams up against a run and gun Midd assault.
The sides came out pressing each other in the opening period and produced a number of scoring chances. Middlebury scored first when third-year Mackenzie Martin banged the puck in at the far post for a 1-0 advantage. Next a swarming attack generated by defenders Carly Watson and Jennifer Krakower was finished by junior Katie Sullivan for a 2-0 scoreline. And to follow - Hannah Bielawski and Madeline Joyce ran a variant surge up the gut that timely third-year Emily Fluke negotiated into the Bantam net to make it 3-0. In the second frame the Panthers continued to dominate. First Jane Freda rushed up the center of the ice which allowed senior Sara Ugalde to tuck the puck in for a four goal Midd lead. Near the end of the interval on a power play Sullivan drove the biscuit home at the near post to extend the margin to 5-0. The finale found Trinity pushing the action until they neutralized themselves by taking penalties. Ugalde made it six nil when she drilled the puck high into the netting during a power play. Van Kula closed out the scoring for a 7-0 total.
Trinity played well at times but had difficulty hanging with the Panthers. Middlebury's skating was all adverbs. Junior defender Kate Moreau played with a mature confidence that enabled a plethora of possibilities. Jess Brownschidle is another first-year defender that has great range on the ice. Sullivan was hitting her jets and developing all kinds of scenarios and took her two tallies with elan. Fluke's thoughtful skating gives her a multitude of options that she uses wonderfully. The woman of the match was fresher Watson who made perceptive plays at both ends of the ice. She is a classy blue liner.
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Webcast Fri, 22 Nov 2013 Middlebury Women 3 - Trinity 2
Friday evening at Kenyon the Panthers of Middlebury pulled out a 3-2 OT victory over the Trinity College Bantams. Trinity's skating and team play looked good. When Middlebury used their skate and pass game they were lovely.
Trinity came out fast in the first and gave the Panthers problems. Middlebury were a tad on the cautious side. And yet it was Midd who scored first when junior Mackenzie Martin was left alone in the slot and drove her try into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. In the middle stanza the Panthers turned on the jets and changed the flow of play. Third-year Katie Sullivan made it 2-0 for the home side when she took the puck at the side of the net and worked it home on a power play. Trinity immediately replied when junior Emily Riccio's point shot nailed itself into the Panther goal to make it 2-1. And then the Bantams tied the match at two when sophomore Cheeky Herr finished off a Midd turnover. There was no scoring during the concluding period. Both sides had chances but neither put it away. In overtime third-year Emily Fluke drilled home her try from the near circle at the high near post giving Middlebury a 3-2 win.
Trinity worked well together and displayed nice speed. Defenders Riccio and classmate Lily Gacicia were solid in their own end and smart shooters. Middlebury has very interesting freshers. First-year Allie Aiello was clever, fast and an attacker to be reckoned with. The Carlys were looking good. Sophy Schaeder's nice passing and ice sense and fresher Watson's intelligent defensive play and good vision were lovely. Senior Madeline Joyce made numerous timely plays for her linemates. Fluke was the best player on the ice as she went close several times with her assertive methods. It was fitting that she scored the winner.
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Webcast Fri, 15 Nov 2013 Hamilton Women 3 - Amherst 4
In front of a boisterous crowd at Sage Rink the Hamilton Continentals lost 3-4 to the Amherst Lord Jeffs. Friday night both sides went for it. While at times sloppy it was an intense game.
Amherst dominate much of the first period as they pressed the Continental net. The Hamilton defenders hung tough giving the Jeffs little room. Nevertheless Amherst senior Courtney Baranek was able to complete a rush by tipping the puck in for a 1-0 advantage. Early in the middle frame fourth-year Gigi Fraser tied the match at one for Hamilton when she drilled one in at the near high post. Nice shot. The goal was setup by a stylish rush from senior blue liner Hannah Jaiven. The Continentals made it 2-1 on a power play when fresher Sara Taffe ripped the puck home. The Jeffs were at sixes and sevens. Amherst came back during the finale. First senior Hayley Opperman's point shot found net to tie things at two. Next first-year Lynndy Smith's drive from just inside the blue line gave Amherst a 2-3 lead. Hamilton tied the match when Fraser's shot from the top near slot connected. The Jeffs produced the winner on a power play when the puck went in off a scrum from the side of the net for a 3-4 victory.
Amherst did not skate that well. They took too many penalties but scored at opportune times. Hamilton's skating off the puck was poor. However the Emilians stabilized a slow start with a creative last two periods. Senior Stephanie Lang was strong on the attack. Blue liner Taffe was a breakup queen giving her guests nothing but problems. The woman of the match was Jaiven. Her timely defensive plays and lovely passes create space for her mates. Jaiven put on a show.
Match reports 2012-2013
Wed, 13 Mar 2013 Linstad
Heather Linstad is an excellent player and a wonderful coach. My favorite highlight reel during her playing days at Providence was when they matched up against UNH in the Concordia tournament. Heather dances up the far boards with the puck coming out of her zone, razzles her way around a host of Wildcats and then goes crosscourt cutting by defenders and goalie before touching the puck in at the near post. Lovely speed control. Lovely goal!
When she took over coaching at Northeastern a fresh wind swept Matthews Arena. Over the years she produced a plethora of talent. During the 1996-1997 season Heather and company won the ECAC Championship, which at the time was the National Championship. And the best part (forgetting the Brown semifinal) was the stylish manner in which they won. Stephanie Acres, Hilary Witt, Emily Pemrick, Jaime Totten, Bree Cheatham, Shannon Meyers and a cadre of Huskies played remarkable hockey under Linstad's leadership.
During the UConn start-up Heather developed an exciting team. Defenders like Natalie Vibert, Stefanie Snow and Alicia Ramolla were brilliant. Center Shannon Connolly's lovely passes created amazing chances. With the Linstad system skill flourished.
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Webcast Sat, 23 Feb 2013 Middlebury Women 6 - Colby 0
At Kenyon for the NESCAC quarterfinal the Panthers of Middlebury outmaneuvered the Colby Mules 6-0. Colby turned it on and made a number of challenging scoring attempts. However Middlebury's skating and playmaking was difficult to withstand.
Saturday afternoon's contest started fast with both teams skating well. Colby had the edge as they made the more menacing plays in the Panther end. Luckily for Middlebury sophy tender of the twine Annabelle Jones held the fort with a number of solid saves. During a 5 on 3 Midd power play second-year Emily Fluke laid on a lovely pass to junior Sara Ugalde who buried it for a 1-0 lead. From the ensuing face-off the Panthers were on the prowl and cashed in on the remaining five on four player advantage when senior Molly Downey deflected in a shot from the point by classmate Heather Marrison to make it 2-0. Even with the myopic camera, the second was frequently about Colby's Samantha Slotnick. The terrifying third-year dug in her skates and let it rip. Nevertheless Middlebury added two more goals. During another power play at the start of the period sophomore Hannah Bielawski walked into the Mule end during a line change, evaded defenders and drove the puck in at the far post to put the Panthers up by three. Lovely goal! With 4 on 4 hockey up next, Bielawski's attempt was deflected into the Colby net by senior Lauren Greer to make it 4-0 Midd. Early into the finale Panther sophy Katie Sullivan used her speed and finished at the far post during a four on four situation to extend the lead to five. Enter hot Guittard delectables: yum-yum. Middlebury concluded the scoring when first-year Katie Mandigo's slot shot found the back of the net after a nice pass from Downey to make the scoreline 6-0.
The Mules did lots of things right. Their teamwork and strong skating pushed their rival. The Colby woman of the match was Slots. She was wonderful as she's always ready to have a go. The Panthers played well as a team. They had lovely passing and puck control. For coolness under pressure attacker Fluke was the ticket. She works her way around the net and generates lovely chances. Marrison's marking was great. With lots of action on her plate she remained calm and ahead of the play. Jones was the Middlebury woman of the match. She was all over the biscuit giving the Mules few chances. Love her bring it on attitude.
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Webcast Sat, 16 Feb 2013 Hamilton Women 3 - Colby 1
Saturday evening the Hamilton Continentals beat (3-1) the Colby Mules. Unlike the new New England Groundhog, who is in fine form, both sides played cautious hockey.
The teams looked unsettled at the start of the game. Towards the midpoint of the period junior defender Hannah Jaiven made it 1-0 Hamilton when after a face-off her shot from the point found the back of the net. Colby came back to tie it at 1-1 when a Continental breakdown in their own end allowed first-year Megan Fortier to tap the puck in at the near post. At the end of the first Hamilton third-year Nikki Haskins got the final touch to make it 2-1. Defense dominated much of the second period. The Continentals collected a goal when fresher Megan Fitzgerald walked in on the Mules net and beat the goalie for a 3-1 lead. It was a slow scoreless finish.
Colby did not skate well or use their razzmatazz. Junior Samantha Slotnick waltzed around the attacking zone and laid on some sweet passes. Classmate Annie Papadellis was hitting the jets and making things tough for defenders. The best part of Hamilton's Sage Rink is the Savardian spin-o-rama camera. The Emilians controlled the contest while making the most of their chances. Fitzgerald looked sharp for the Continentals. She has a gutsy style that makes for exciting plays. The most interesting player on the ice was Jaiven. She is an excellent blue liner who provides tight marking and makes smart passes to setup lovely situations for her mates.
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Webcast Sat, 26 Jan 2013 Middlebury Women 5 - Hamilton 2
And to follow, the Panthers of Middlebury and the Hamilton Continentals played a wonderful contest at Kenyon Arena. Saturday's matinee featured two teams pushing each other. The attackers and defenders for both sides went all out.
Hamilton stormed the Panther net committing numerous players to the attack to start the match. Sophy Annabelle Jones made a series of connected saves to keep the Continentals at bay. Middlebury answered with their sleek passing game giving them many options. Emily Fluke made it 1-0 Midd when the crafty sophomore knocked in her own rebound. Seconds later senior Molly Downey's dump shot slipped under the goalie's pads to put the Panthers up by two. Fandango time? In the second period both sides produced good scoring chances but more of the whirling action took place in the Continentals zone. After halftime fresher Katie Mandigo received a lovely pass from second-year Hannah Bielawski and banged it home at the Hamilton far post for a 3-0 lead. Lovely goal! Senior Heather Marrison's blue line drive raced into the net to increase the Middlebury total. Continentals junior Jill Tokarczyk broke through with an outside shot in the last seconds of play to make it 4-1. The up and down action continued during the finale. Hamilton cut the lead to 4-2 when joyous junior Hannah Jaiven went solo, walked in on the near post and tucked the puck under the tender. Lovely goal! The Panthers finished the event when they applied heavy pressure that led to a rebound from sophomore Katie Sullivan and a 5-2 decision.
The Emilians played hard and put on a show. At times they walled themselves in their own end and then in the other end didn't look for the best options. Nevertheless, Hamilton is a quality team. Talented fresher attacker Casey Brown combines fast skating with excellent vision. The Continentals woman of the match was Jaiven. She has a horde of skills. Jaiven's third period goal was superb. Middlebury were in phase today. A lot of little things made the skates fly. Jones was on her game covering multiple attempts fiercely. First-year Anna Van Kula is strong on the penalty kill and a smart shooter. Fluke made some lovely passes to her mates and developed even better attacking angles. The Middlebury woman of the match was the striking pair of Mandigo and Bielawski. Bielawski's playmaking and defensive skills are splendid. She set the rhythm for her mates. Mandigo is developing in many directions. Her back-checking looks good, however the blitz shooting is even better.
Middlebury's fab five seniors have held high the standard of skate and pass hockey. Downey played with determination and used her exemplary skating to ignite plays tout le monde. An impressive scorer, Woodward's passing was lovely and intensified the Panthers. Styrbicki's moxie, brilliant vision and excellent execution brought a lot to the table. Flash Marrison was a dazzling defender who combined speed, cover and her trademark shot from the blue line. Aggressive pace, amazing playmaking and a hot stick made Greer a wizard.
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Webcast Fri, 25 Jan 2013 Middlebury Women 5 - Hamilton 2
Friday night at Kenyon the Panthers of Middlebury defeated the Hamilton Continentals 5-2. It was an interesting contest as each side played well. Hamilton put on the pressure periodically. The Panthers had to turn it on at times to maintain their advantage.
The reason for the 2-0 start for Middlebury was their excellent fore-checking game that left Hamilton, who was skating great, with little room. Junior Jennifer Krakower scored first when she finished off the stampeding antics of sophy Katie Sullivan. Next Sullivan collected a goal when she pounded home a lovely feed from senior sensation Lauren Greer. The middle twenty saw the Continentals cutting the scoreline to 2-1 when junior defender Hannah Jaiven's point shot found nothing but net. Lovely goal. That seemed to move the Panthers out of nap mode. Second-year Emily Fluke knocked in a power play try at the far post to restore the Midd two goal lead. For the conclusion Hamilton pulled one back when on a power play first-year Naomi Woolfenden's blast from the blue line made it 3-2. The Panther response featured Sullivan skating up the far slot and drilling the puck in. Off the ensuing face-off Middlebury walked in en masse and Fluke applied the touch to produce a 5-2 result.
The Emilians get it. They could use better skating and movement off each other. Still they faced the fandango well. Junior Gigi Fraser looked good for the Continentals with her powerful pursuit. Jaiven is a strong, fast blue liner. She can be edgy for spells, nevertheless she is a force on the ice. Middlebury continues to put themselves into difficult situations. With their skate and pass style, when they turn it on, hockey is the game beautiful. Senior Heather Marrison's marking was way rad. It's all in the feet and Marrison has the touch. Greer was on song. A talented skater, her passes were brilliant. The woman of the match was Sullivan. She has a quickness that makes her closing speed deadly. However the main thing about Sullivan is her have-a-go spirit.
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Webcast Fri, 11 Jan 2013 Middlebury Women 1 - Amherst 1 OT
Back at Kenyon on Friday night the Panthers of Middlebury and the Amherst Lord Jeffs drew 1-1. At times Middlebury would dominate, then Amherst would force their way back into it. The Panthers had the better chances but couldn't finish them.
With the likes of senior Lauren Greer and sophy Hannah Bielawski leading the Panther storm up the gut it was curious to find the opening period goalless. Both teams played well. It was mostly an Amherst middle frame. They skated hard and gave themselves some space by keeping the puck in the Midd end. Nevertheless the backlash didn't produce many telling shots. After two it remained nil all. The Panthers scored a power play goal at the start of the third when second-year Katie Sullivan sliced the puck in at the near post. After that Middlebury could have put the game away however it was Amherst who tied the game at one in the last few seconds when first-year Erin Martin found the netting. There was no scoring in overtime.
Amherst played with a frustrated swagger. They fashioned some lovely hockey. Senior Panther defender Madison Styrbicki was all over the ice as she pushed her side forward. Classmate Heather Marrison made lovely passes that created interesting openings for her mates. Opportunistic junior Madeline Joyce put herself in lovely goalscoring positions. Greer's strong fluid skating and gutsy character was fun. The woman of the match was fresher Anna Van Kula. She is a very smart player. Amid all the action Van Kula made telling plays at both ends.
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Webcast Fri, 4 Jan 2013 Middlebury Women 6 - Wesleyan 1
Friday evening at Kenyon Arena the Panthers of Middlebury breezed by the Wesleyan Cardinals. Back in Vermont the Panthers came out and attacked the Cardinals relentlessly. Wesleyan faced an all out blitz.
Middlebury came out with their rapidly changing line scheme and gave the Cardinals fits. Sophy Mackenzie Martin batted one in early on for the Panthers when she and classmate Katie Sullivan took the puck to the net. Near the halfway mark the second-years kept it all to themselves when Hannah Bielawski came out of the far corner quickly and was left alone in front to make it 2-0. Lovely move! Next Emily Fluke (yes another sophomore) knocked in a rebound at the far post to extend the Midd advantage. Finally Heather Marrison made the seniors proud when she flashed home a shot from the point thru traffic to make it 4-0. At the start of the second, during a power play, Marrison made sure of the attributions when she roofed her shot from the blue line into the top far post. Lovely goal. Wesleyan then began an interesting series of counter breaks that on occasion went close. In the last few seconds the Cardinals made it 5-1 during a power play when sophy defender Laura Wasnick's high point shot connected. The last session featured more pressure from Middlebury. Junior Madeline Joyce drilled home a rebound at the near post to conclude the scoring at 6-1.
Middlebury played strong, fast hockey and just kept taking it to their opponent. Their movement off the puck at times drifted and was not exactly enlightening. Madison Styrbicki and schoolfellow Marrison kept things tight at the back with their clever robust style. The line of Martin centering Fluke and Joyce played great and produced lots of cultivated attacking ideas. Bielawski's quick reactions and smart partnering with her line made her the woman of the match.
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Webcast Sat, 24 Nov 2012 Middlebury Women 4 - Elmira 3 OT
Saturday's Panther/Cardinal Classic opening round game featured the Panthers of Middlebury playing a tight contest with the Elmira Soaring Eagles. The overtime result was 4-3 Middlebury at Kenyon Arena and produced strong skating from both sides.
Elmira came out fast in the opening period, but Middlebury kept a lid on it and gradually started to take control. Senior Lauren Greer worked a lovely give and go with sophy Katie Sullivan that concluded with Greer free up the gut to drill the puck into the netting for a 1-0 Midd edge. After that the Panthers were pushing it. Nevertheless, late in the period Lamoureux tied the score for Elmira at one. At the start of the second Hogan gave Elmira a 1-2 lead. Hogan made it 1-3 during a power play. The Panthers cut the score to 2-3 when on their own player advantage fourth-year Heather Marrison flashed the puck home from the blue line. Lovely goal. Late in the third session, after up and down the ice action, Sullivan broke into the Elmira end on a power play, slipped the puck to junior Sara Ugalde whose shot rebounded to Greer to drill home at the far post to tie the match at three. Lovely goal! In overtime Middlebury second-year Hannah Bielawski converted a power play scrum in the goalmouth for a 4-3 victory.
Middlebury came back after chasing the game for a spell. Senior Molly Downey played excellent hockey. Her intelligent back-checking, transitional play and attacking prowess stood out. With her skating approaching attack speed, second-year Emily Fluke went close and was a threat. Sullivan is a wonderful teammate. Her power skating anticipates the play and creates numerous openings. Greer was hot. She was extremely strong on her stick. The woman of the match was Greer who turned it on and made the afternoon exceedingly interesting. Her opening goal demonstrated what hockey is all about.
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Webcast Sat, 17 Nov 2012 Middlebury Women 5 - Colby 1
Back at Kenyon the Panthers of Middlebury skated past the Colby Mules 5-1. Saturday afternoon found Colby laid-back, while Middlebury were more or less on their game.
Colby looked a tad tired in the first as the Panthers raced off to a fast start. Second-year Hannah Bielawski made it 1-0 Midd when she was credited at the end of a power play with a scrum style chance. The Panthers extended their advantage to two-nil when junior Sara Ugalde picked up the puck after a face-off in the Colby end and hammered her try into the back of the net. Lovely goal. During the middle segment, Middlebury extended their lead to 4-0. First-year Carly Schaeder jammed home a rebound while sophomore Katie Sullivan fired in her own rebound to collect the goals. The penalty kill units for the Panthers were extremely interesting as their combinations were not the average fare. The teams exchanged scores in the third period to make the final 5-1. First Midd senior sniper Lauren Greer took a quick break-in pass from Sullivan and produced one of her lethal finishes. Lovely goal. Later junior Annie Papadellis drilled home at the near post for the Mules.
Colby were decidedly slower today. However third-year Samantha Slotnick would have none of that. Her blitz skating was a treat! Midd were starting to click. Ugalde looked great. Her cool nature along with her skillful tools give her numerous openings. She's not a bad defender either. Sullivan continued her attacking movement making the most out of situations. The Panther defensive pairing of sophy Kate Moreau and junior Jennifer Krakower moved well together. Their telepathy paid dividends up and down the ice surface. Senior Madison Styrbicki's quick covers and decisive dishes gave her side grumba. Captain Flash Marrison was in her groove. A crafty power defender, Marrison, the woman of the match, was marvelous.
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Webcast Fri, 16 Nov 2012 Middlebury Women 3 - Colby 2
Friday evening at Kenyon Arena the Panthers of Middlebury squeezed by the Colby Mules 3-2. Colby skated hard and made some lovely plays. Middlebury's firepower is still syncing with their fly time. They have an intriguing talent pool.
Middlebury moved the puck and pressed the Mules for much of the opening period. Colby responded with a wall of defenders and a sporadic counterattack. The Mules took a 0-1 lead near the halfway point when junior Samantha Slotnick converted a rebound from the far slot. In the second, the pattern continued, though Midd cranked up the volume. During a 5 on 3 power play Panther senior Madison Styrbicki walked up the gut twice and drilled the puck on net allowing sophomore Hannah Bielawski to finish the second chance to tie the match at one. For the finale, right after a hot French brownie interlude, Middlebury gained a 2-1 lead when first-year Katie Mandigo fed sophy Emily Fluke going in at the far post and Fluke buried her attempt. Nevertheless, Colby came back in the last few minutes to tie the match at two when fourth-year Meredith Reynolds banged the puck in at the backdoor. Lovely goal. Moments later third-year Panther Madeline Joyce fired a hot one in from the left circle that flew in at the high far post for a 3-2 game winning goal. Lovely shot.
Third-year goaltender Brianne Wheeler was on form for Colby. She was strong, confident and adept at deflecting the Midd attacking spectrum. Slotnick is a shrewd student of the game. She sees the flow and uses her timely intercepts to change the course of play. Second-year Katie Sullivan poured it on for Middlebury with fast skates and demonstrative play. A delicious passing seminar was put on by senior Lauren Greer. Junior Sara Ugalde was slick on the attack for the Panthers. She went close to scoring multiple times. Midd fresher Carly Schaeder is very interesting. Her quick turn skating accentuates her perceptive skills. This could be fun. The woman of the match was sophy Annabelle Jones who played great in net. She moved with the puck while remaining in touch with other possibilities and fashioned a formidable barrier. Jones is becoming something special.
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Webcast Sat, 3 Nov 2012 Northeastern Women 9 - Connecticut 1
During Saturday's matinee the Northeastern Huskies routed the Connecticut Huskies (9-1). It was one of those games that never got moving. From a goal scoring point of view, there were some interesting moments.
The frightfully slow tempo did nothing for the opening period at Matthews Arena. Northeastern scored first when senior Casey Pickett's backhand flip found the net. UConn tied the match at one all when first-year Margaret Zimmer nailed a rebound. The front of net marking from the home Huskies was horrendous. NU regained their lead when sophomore Kendall Coyne tapped in a power play effort at the near post. Defensive cover? Second-year defender Colleen Murphy made it 3-1 Northeastern when she also finished at the near post, this time off a nice touch from Pickett. Supplier turned scorer when Pickett completed a lovely give and go for a 3 goal advantage. NU fresher Tori Hickel made it 5-1 when the away Husky goalie left the puck all alone on the ice. Pickett upped the count to 6-1 home side when she walked past a Connecticut defender and buried her try to start the second. After that it was: tick-tick tick-tick tick-tick … until near the end of the period when Pickett walked in during a shorthanded situation all alone and ran the deke and tuck. Lovely goal! The final phase began when Pickett made it 8-1 Northeastern when she notched a backhanded rebound - too easy. Eventually NU's Kelly Wallace concluded the scoring with an attempt at the near post.
In net for Northeastern, sophy Chloe Desjardins was in her comfort zone as the safe tender of the twine. Essentially the contest was the Casey Pickett show. While not exactly hitting her jets, the clever schemer made some excellent plays at both ends of the ice.
***
Webcast Sat, 13 Oct 2012 Northeastern Women 1 - Rensselaer 0
Late Saturday afternoon at Matthews the Northeastern Huskies shutout the Rensselaer Engineers one-nil. The game featured few exciting events as going for it was clearly not on the menu.
The teams looked tired during a dull first period. Speed and team play were again lacking in the middle frame. However NU scored to make it 1-0 nearing the midpoint when junior Katie MacSorley buried her try. Senior Brittany Esposito provided the lovely touch that setup the chance. For the finish the sides were a tad more intense, but it didn't exactly spell anguish for either tender.
Rensselaer played cautious hockey. Their skating lacked gusto. Nevertheless frisky fresher blue liner Jenn Godin buzzed the ice for the Engineers. Sophomore Eleeza Cox periodically made some nice attacking passes to her RPI mates. Northeastern were disorganized. Casie Fields made some lovely outlet dishes to relieve the pressure in her end. The senior Husky defender turned in a composed performance. Esposito played it smart. She sensed openings and made telling passes with her talented stick.
Match reports 2011-2012
Webcast Sat, 25 Feb 2012 Middlebury Women 5 - Colby 1
During Saturday's NESCAC quarterfinal at Kenyon the Panthers of Middlebury skated away with a 5-1 win over the Colby Mules. Colby played some lovely hockey in the opening and closing periods. Middlebury's persuasive performance was a potent team effort.
Both sides looked good in a frenzied, scoreless first period. In the second, the Panthers picked up the tempo. After a power play flashing blue line drive from Middlebury junior Heather Marrison, classmate Maggie Woodward made it 1-0 when she tipped the puck in. The Panthers went up 2-0 when Woodward took a lovely feed from behind the net by schoolfellow Lauren Greer and buried her power play try. Just to keep it in the class of 2013, Madison Styrbicki scored yet another PPG. Midd made it 4-0 when senior Maria Bourdeau's point shot found nothing but net. Enter fresher Emily Fluke who swatted in a power play attempt from tight in on goal. Colby staged a comeback in the third. In the opening few minutes junior Caroline Chessare wrapped the disc home for the Mules to cut the lead to 5-1. For awhile after that the Mules put pressure on the Middlebury net, but then the Panther skate and pass game closed the contest out.
Goaltenders Brianne Wheeler for Colby and Annabelle Shoulder Save Jones for Middlebury were locked on the biscuit. They made some excellent saves often finding the puck through traffic. Sophy Samantha Slotnick's swiftness was a major menace in the Mule's favour. The Colby woman of the match was Slotnick. She used a series of smart moves to provide her mates with space. For Middlebury, Styrbicki's tight turn mobility dusted opponents and generated a multitude of alternatives. Marrison was a power at both ends of the ice. The talented blue liner was on her game. Up front, second-year Madeline Joyce was motoring, giving the Mules all sorts of problems. Super sophy Sara Ugalde, the Middlebury woman of the match, laid on some brilliant passes. Her wheeling and dealing transformed the Panther attack.
***
Webcast Sun, 19 Feb 2012 Northeastern Women 2 - Providence 1
Sunday afternoon at Matthews Arena the Northeastern Huskies defeated the Providence College Friars 2-1 to win the Hockey East league title. Providence was more entertaining, however Northeastern made the most of their chances.
The first period featured the pyrotechnic skating of PC senior Kate Bacon - what a treat! Nevertheless, the N's collected the lone goal when junior Casey Pickett picked out classmate Brittany Esposito with a lovely feed that Esposito buried high for a 1-0 lead. Pickett extended the Husky advantage at the start of the middle movement when she redirected the puck from right in front. Near halftime Friar Maggie Pendleton's power play point shot was tipped home from the right slot by fourth-year Ashley Cottrell to cut the scoreline to 2-1. The final twenty minutes were tedious.
Providence's skating off the puck was hideous, leaving them few options. Sophomore Corinne Buie used her wheels and made some sweet sweeping attempts that kept the NU tender alert. Bacon, the woman of the match, was on song. She is devastatingly good when jamming up a wing and cutting in on net. Pickett looked good for Northeastern. Efficient back-checking, excellent passing and splendid speed are her strengths. Pickett and Esposito are an extremely good attacking pair. They move well off one another and create lovely situations.
***
Webcast Sat, 11 Feb 2012 Middlebury Women 6 - Williams 0
At Kenyon Arena the Panthers of Middlebury accelerated past the Williams Ephs late Saturday afternoon. The Ephs were facing too much firepower as the Panthers were on a roll.
Middlebury spent much of the opening interval in the Williams end of the ice. Smoothie fresher Emily Fluke banged in a rebound at the far post to give the Panthers a 1-0 asset. Classmate Kate Moreau made it 2-0 Midd when she knocked in a rebound off a Katie Sullivan shot all made possible by a lovely searching pass from generous junior Lauren Greer. The Ephs played better in the second segment skating more and watching less. Even so, with timely help from first-year Sullivan, Greer made it three-nil during a shorthanded situation. At the end of the period, senior Grace Waters punched in her own rebound after sophy Jennifer Krakower had drilled in a power play outside attempt for a 4-0 Panther lead. The constant Middlebury pressure continued during the last act. Williams had a few good chances, however it was Midd's junior defender Heather Marrison's point shot that flashed into the goal. With only a few ticks left on the clock fourth-year Maggie Melberg finished a power play chance to make the final 6-0.
It was the definitive waves of Panther attackers pounding away at the opposition that decided the match. Fluke had a lovely outing darting around the rink and giving the Ephs lots to think about. Marrison and Krakower are intelligent blue liners that made plays happen in a variety of fashions. Moreau moved extremely well from her defensive position. Annabelle Jones was sharp in net. The frisky fresher kept things tidy. Junior Madison Styrbicki is a terrific skater and the woman of the match. She made the space for her mates that staged the bombardment.
***
Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012
Subject: MIT Women 5 - Salem State 3
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers vanquished the Salem State Vikings 5-3 Sunday afternoon at Johnson rink. It was a great game as both sides gave their all in a topsy-turvy event.
Both teams had good chances in the first, but Salem State made the most of their attacks jumping out to a 0-2 lead. SS 7 and 16 scored when their shots deflected off the MIT goalie into the net. The Engineers came back in the last minute when MIT 23's power shot was stopped but MIT 18 buried the rebound for a 1-2 scoreline. The game was on in the middle period. MIT 42 scored on a power play when her circle shot slip thru the Viking goaltender to tie things at two. MIT had turned up the volume. Late in the second MIT 20 slipped the puck in at the near post for a 3-2 lead. At the start of the third SS 8 made it three all when she flipped her attempt over the MIT tender. Near midway MIT 18 went up the gut on a power play and drilled the puck into the back of the net for a 4-3 advantage. Lovely goal. Salem State staged a series of comeback strikes however the Engineers held firm. In the final seconds MIT 77 made it 5-3 on a breakaway into an empty-net.
The Vikings played a very strong match. SS 4 was a smart blue liner. She reads, reacts and gives her competitor little room to operate. The partnership of SS 17 and 8 was special. SS 8 can hit her jets and create lovely situations. SS 17 is a crafty center who is always in the thick of it. The Engineers made the best of a difficult situation coming from behind to earn victory. MIT 88 had a lovely turn of speed that produced choice chances. MIT 77 is a cunning attacker. She sees the ice and adjusts her talents to make her team fly. MIT 23 provided the thrill. Her dynamic rushes gave her opponents fits and opened up the ice. The fastest player on the ice was MIT 2. She is a brilliant skater and an impressive defender. The woman of the match was MIT 18. She is perpetually there for her mates. MIT 18's strength and skillful play was a major reason the Techers played so well.
***
Webcast Fri, 3 Feb 2012 Middlebury Women 4 - Connecticut College 1
Friday night the Panthers of Middlebury skated past the Connecticut College Camels at Kenyon. The Camels played well. The Panthers were breaking in arrangements. 4-1 seemed the right ticket.
Middlebury scored at the start of the match when first-year Katie Sullivan poked the puck in from right in front of goal. The best minutes came from lovely blue liners Jennifer Krakower and Madison Styrbicki as they worked the puck and themselves around the outer edges of the attack. While CCC played much better in the second segment, the Panthers fabricated a fantastic break from junior Lauren Greer and Krakower. They quickly exploded into the Camels' end exchanging passes until Krakower laid on the killer last dish that Greer drove into the back of the net for a two-nil lead. Goal of the year? As the final period began sophomore Sara Ugalde banked the puck off the Conn College goalie for a power play score. Moments later Greer's lovely feed was pounded in by Sullivan for a 4-0 advantage. CCC got one back when second-year Courtney Dumont skated in on the Middlebury net and went top shelf - lovely goal!
I live in terror of not seeing my shadow. Connecticut College are an improving team that need to keep their skates moving. Middlebury were using a new instrumentation that needs additional rehearsal. Greer continued her stunning strikes. Fresher Annabelle Jones made some hot saves. Junior defender Heather Marrison's interceptions made the Midd attack run. She has an uncanny ability to change the flow of the game. The woman of the match was the dynamic duo of Krakower and Styrbicki. Third-year Styrbicki was the expressive leader as she made situations happen. Sophy Krakower enriched her side with her smooth moves and a deadly stick.
***
Webcast Tue, 24 Jan 2012 Middlebury Women 4 - St Anselm 2
At Kenyon Arena the Panthers of Middlebury defeated (4-2) the Hawks of Saint Anselm College. Tuesday night found the super skating of STA being overrun by the passing of Midd.
It was a singular opening chapter as St Anselm came out flying only to be muddled by Middlebury's puck control that produced quick long passes. The Panther's fore-checking also created a number of turnovers. Near the end of the period Middlebury collected a power play goal when fresher Hannah Bielawski scored with a wrister from the point for a 1-0 lead. At the start of the second lovely first-year Emily Fluke worked a one-two with excellent junior Lauren Greer who buried the puck from the near slot for a 2-0 Panther lead. After that the pattern continued as the Hawks skated extremely well, nevertheless Middlebury's passing and recovery of the puck proved decisive. During the finale, STA got one back when third-year Kathryn Picarello, classmate Rosemarie Giarrusso and sophy Courtney Winters broke in on the Panther net and Giarrusso provided the enthusiastic finish. Lovely goal! Greer, with help from second-year Jennifer Krakower and junior Madison Styrbicki on defense, re-established a two goal (3-1) advantage for Middlebury when she tipped in a blue line pass on a power play. In the last two minutes St Anselm added some spice when first-year Tiffany Herron drilled home a circle shot also on a power play. And then, Greer completed her hat trick when she sneaked into the Hawks' zone and hammered the puck inside the far post for the 4-2 final score. Lovely goal!
St Anselm's team speed was excellent. Senior goalie Amy Zappen stood tall in net for the Hawks stopping a variety of shots. Dynamic Picarello is a speedster. She skated her way through layers of Midd players forcing quick reactions and making openings for her partners. Middlebury won with their control passing game. Styrbicki was the fastest Panther. Her lovely vision and outlet passes gave her mates interesting attacking angles. Fluke's fore-check and quick looks produced wonderful chances for her side. She is an exciting player to watch. The woman of the match was Greer. She never gives up. In addition to her scoring touch, Greer's skill at picking the puck from opponents and making lovely dishes is super excellent.
***
Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012
Subject: Harvard Women 5 - Rensselaer 3
On a late Saturday afternoon, with a cold wind outside Bright, the Rensselaer Engineers lost 5-3. After leading by three, RPI collapsed.
The Engineers played a vigorous first period, though their passing was problematic at best. First-year Taylor Mahoney knocked the puck in during a power play to give RPI a 0-1 lead. The tempo slowed in the second segment. After midway, splendid senior Sierra Vadner's rising point blast found nothing but net. Seconds later, classmate Jill Vandegrift fired home at the near post for a 0-3 score. However, Rensselaer then gave up two late goals to tighten the contest. After killing a series of penalties the Engineers let in three more tallies in the third to complete their disintegration.
Vandegrift and Mahoney provided attacking excitement with their periodic bursts for RPI. Sophomore Madison Marzario looked good on defense. She read the flow and used her skating to dispense the solution. The most interesting player on the ice was sleek blue liner Vadner. She turned on the style. Vadner handled the pressure and put the pedal to the metal.
***
Webcast Fri, 9 Dec 2011 Middlebury Women 2 - Manhattanville 2
At Kenyon Arena on Friday evening the Panthers of Middlebury and the Manhattanville College Valiants played to a two all tie. Middlebury's team play was excellent.
The waves of Midd skaters nudged the Vals outside their comfort zone as the opening phase progressed. There was no scoring, but several good chances from each side. Smarty fresher defender Kate Moreau and thoughtful senior defensive forward Maggie Melberg had the knack to turn a Manhattanville strike into a Middlebury scheme. The Panthers had plenty of chances in the 2nd but there were again no goals. Interestingly enough the best defensive play also was made by Midd when first-year tender Annabelle Jones made a series of saves during a Valiant power play. The one off the stick, off the shoulder and off the post was rather good. After killing a power play at the start of the third Manhattanville scored to make it 0-1 off a side of the net stab by sophomore Haleigh Hutchinson. The Panthers came right back to tied it at one when third-year Molly Downey drove home a power play goal. From a face-off Melberg pounced to bang in a rebound for a 2-1 lead. The Valiants collected a 5 on 3 power play score from junior Lynsey Schill to even the match. After much pressure from the Panthers in overtime the game ended a 2-2 draw.
Middlebury played some lovely hockey tonight against a tough opponent. Jones played great. She has command of her goalmouth. Moreau's instinctive blue line play was lovely. Melberg is the nuts and bolts behind what happens at both ends of the ice for the Panthers. Jamie Harisiades was hitting her senior jets as she darted all over the offensive zone. Diverting fresher Emily Fluke and speedy junior Lauren Greer were a splendid fore-checking twosome. Greer, the woman of the match, was on fire as she perpetrated a series of outlandish attacking ideas. Ooo-la-la!
***
Webcast Sat, 3 Dec 2011 Middlebury Women 3 - Trinity 1
The Panthers of Middlebury beat the Trinity College Bantams 3-1 Saturday afternoon. Day two of the Kenyon Arena affair produced a faster game from both sides.
Middlebury and Trinity came out in the opening period with up and down the ice action. Gradually the waves of Panther attackers started to take over. Still their was no scoring, however there was highlight reel footage of clever back-checking and lovely passing from thrilling third-year MC blue liner Madison Styrbicki. After a first intermission of out of the oven white pizza with garlic, Middlebury stormed the Bantam net. Super sophy Sara Ugalde latched onto a long breaking pass, broke in on net and nailed it for a 1-0 Panther lead. Ugalde added a power play goal when she took a lovely feed from jovial junior Lauren Greer at the near post and provided the clinical finish. Lovely goal! Trinity came back to make it 2-1 when assertive senior Payson Sword deflected one in off a Middlebury player during a power play. In the third period, Middlebury's slack play gave the Bantams several good attempts. And then, the webcast stopped. (Final 3-1 Joyce PP)
Trinity showed better skating but unfortunately didn't do that much with it. The Middlebury cannonade was starting to come online today. Panther fresher Emily Fluke and sophy Madi Joyce hit the jets and popped up everywhere. Junior Libby Miner used her speed and was an alert fore-checker. Styrbicki dominated both ends of the ice and was easily the defender of the match. Greer had a lovely weekend. She produced excellent moments with her telling shots and smart passing. The woman of the match was Ugalde. Her striking character fashioned superb attacks. When Ugalde is on the prowl Middlebury is hard to resist.
***
Webcast Fri, 2 Dec 2011 Middlebury Women 2 - Trinity 1
Friday evening at Kenyon the Panthers of Middlebury defeated the Trinity College Bantams 2-1. Trinity played tight hockey. Middlebury's skate and pass game was the decisive element.
In the first, Middlebury claimed the early advantage when fresher Hannah Bielawski's circle shot found the net. To follow, MC poured on some lovely pressure, however, sophomore Bantam Lauren Glynn tied the match at one when she tucked the puck in at the far post. The middle frame was slower and scoreless. Nevertheless, jubilant junior Lauren Greer periodically produced for Middlebury these wonderful break and shoot chances that were special. The Panthers threatened the Trinity goal during the finale and collected the winning score during a power play when Madison Styrbicki slipped the puck to Greer who found in front polished sophy Sara Ugalde to bang the puck in for a 2-1 margin. Lovely goal.
For the most part Trinity played well as a team. Bantam senior Payson Sword is a strong skater and an excellent fore-checker. With their superior skating and puck movement Middlebury won a comparatively close contest. Bielawski is a gunner who laid on lovely passes for her mates. Frisky first-year Emily Fluke turns up unexpectedly and moves the puck. Greer was the passer parfait as she snuck the biscuit into delicious situations. The most interesting player on the ice was first-year Panther goaltender Annabelle Jones. She has a cool presence that oozes confidence. The woman of the match was third-year Styrbicki. She is a force. From her blue line base Styrbicki launched a multitude of fierce schemes that controlled the game.
***
Date: Sun, 6 Nov 2011
Subject: MIT Women 4 - Smith 0
Sunday afternoon at Johnson Rink the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers defeated the Smith College Pioneers 4-0. MIT dominated the match with a poised defense and an aggressive attack. Smith had their hands full and did well to keep the game close.
In the first, MIT's lovely movement and passing plays were delicious. MIT 20 opened the scoring with a tap-in at the side of the Smith net. MIT 42 completed a nice dish from MIT 18 to build a 2-0 lead. The tempo slowed in the middle frame. Nevertheless MIT collected two additional tallies. MIT 20 danced across the Pioneer goalmouth before tucking home. MIT 25 added a shot from the high circle that she rang in off the near post to make it 4-0. The surprise packet of the second was the blistering blue line tactics, transitional movement and lovely passing of MIT 3 - splendid treat! The lethargic zebras continued their comedic antics in a scoreless third period. Meanwhile, MIT 3 unleashed superb attacking setups and was still able to dig back for her defensive duties. Lovely skating.
Smith 11 proved a solid attacker for her side. SC 9 was strong on her blue line giving the Engineers little room. Fellow defender SC 13 held her side together with her excellent reads and powerful play. MIT 18 is a quality blue liner. Her skating produced interesting forages up front. MIT 26's attacks went very close. MIT 55's stimulating quickness and soft hands were sensational. The woman of the match was MIT 3. Her fun style made for remarkable hockey.
Match reports 2010-2011
Webcast Sat, 26 Feb 2011 Middlebury Women 6 - Williams 2
Saturday's NESCAC quarterfinal at Kenyon found the Panthers of Middlebury defeating the Williams Ephs with a tempest. Middlebury came out hot and fast to start the match. Super Panther fresher Madeline Joyce sliced the puck home off a lovely pass from sophy Maggie Woodward for an early 1-0 lead. On a Middlebury power play amazing first-year Sara Ugalde made a divine cross-ice dish to clever classmate Jennifer Krakower who had sneaked into the near slot from her point position before she drilled far post. Lovely goal! Williams came back with their own power play goal when splendid sophomore Nicolle Perry's rebound found net for a 2-1 scoreline. The Ephs' power play was impressive as they controlled their attacking alternatives. Second-year defender Heather Marrison's power play point shot exposed Williams to junior Grace Waters at the start of the second = goal! After that most of the period featured a festival of Panther attacks. Nevertheless, the Ephs collected a late shorthanded effort when Perry notched one at the far post off the perfect feed from sophomore Sam Weinstein to make things tight at 3-2. To begin the finale Ugalde gave Middlebury a two goal advantage. Sophy Madison Styrbicki made it 5-2 Panthers when her power play point blast roared in. Classmate Lauren Greer closed out the scoring when she pounced on a rebound during a Midd power play.
Williams played hard. They made the contest close. Perry took her chances with style. Middlebury won with attacking flair. Third-year Maria Bourdeau had a strong game on the blue line. Her timing refocused the flow of play. Krakower's reads and movement were lovely. Her presence was big time. Up front, junior Jamie Harisiades was quick and went so close to scoring. Senior Anna McNally's grumba skating gave her opponents problems. Greer is a terrific two-way player that added edge to the Panther storm. The woman of the match was Ugalde. Occasionally picking a pocket, sometimes creating a chance and always attacking with sheer delight, Ugalde was lovely.
***
Webcast Fri, 4 Feb 2011 Middlebury Women 6 - Hamilton 1
Friday evening at Kenyon the Panthers of Middlebury outskated the Hamilton Continentals. Middlebury dominated the opening session with fast skating and lots of shooting. Hamilton kept things close with an active defensive. Frisky fresher Madeline Joyce knocked in a rebound off an outside power play shot from gutsy sophy Heather Marrison to make it 1-0 Panthers. At the start of the 2nd, after a hot chocolate chip cookie intermission - love the Guittard chips! - Middlebury standout senior Julia Ireland sliced home at the far post for a two goal advantage. Ireland collected her second of the evening after a lovely 2 on 1 break with surging sophomore Lauren Greer to make it 3-0. During a spell of the Panthers whipping the large chocolate chip around the Continental zone, junior Grace Waters gracefully cut in a rebound. Senior Stephanie Miguel responded for Hamilton when she flipped in off a lovely break up the gut with brazen second-year Emily Baxter. Midd came right back and made it 5-1 when third-year Jamie Harisiades solo bid found net. With yet additional Guittard delectables, the conclusion found the Continentals making a match of it with some strong skating. Nevertheless, the up and down the ice action only led to a penetrating push from Middlebury's brilliant senior Anna McNally who dished off to delicious first-year Sara Ugalde who drilled the puck into the back of the net for a 6-1 score.
Hamilton looked good. They play strong defense and skate well as a team. Up front, Baxter drove her mates with intelligent reads. On the blue line first-years Jill Tokarczyk and Hannah Jaiven were sharp. Jaiven has the wheels to get back and the makings of a fine defender. Tokarczyk is a powerful player who gives her team options. Middlebury were victorious because of their lovely team speed. Splendid senior Alexi Bloom was sharp in goal, especially in the latter half of the match. Her reaction saves were excellent. Second-year Madison Styrbicki is versatile. An intense blue liner, she is also a wonderful passer. The defender of the match was Marrison. Flash turns up here and there and everywhere you need her. Marrison is a gem. Joyce must have itchy feet as her skates have her all over the ice surface. A clever attacker, Joyce uses the moment well. The woman of the match was the dynamic duet of Greer and Ireland. Ireland spearheaded the assault for the Panthers with bold moves and telling tries. Greer makes lots of situations develop with her thoughtful skating. The Panthers are on song.
***
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2011
Subject: UMass Boston Women 3 - Manhattanville 1
Saturday afternoon at Clark rink the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons defeated the Manhattanville College Valiants 3-1. MC was not on form. UMB pulled out a massive upset with lovely team play.
UMass used their back-checking and well executed breakout schemes that gave Manhattanville fits in the first - hence the nil all score. At the start of the middle period, Beacon senior Kristen Smith let fly with an outside shot that found the high far corner of the goal for a 1-0 lead. The MC response did not materialize. What did happen was fellow UMB senior Katie Kirwan picked up a rebound and bounced the puck in off the Valiant goalie for a two goal margin.
Senior Jess Scioli went up the gut for Manhattanville and cut the lead to 2-1 early in the final frame. After that MC tried to pour it on, however appeared a tad toasted. In the closing minutes, it was fitting that UMB's refreshing fresher Sarahanne Cavolo ran a breakout play (that had lapsed in the 3rd), outskated the icing rule and finished with the 3-1 killer goal. Lovely play!
Manhattanville disappointed. Their singular approach left them few options. UMass Boston won the match with a simple game plan that the players used effectively. Mercurial senior Jazz Webber used her stylish skating to great advantage at both ends of the ice for the Beacons. The woman of the match was Cavolo. She was moving her feet and that added mobility gave her an edge that made the UMB victory. Overall, a lovely team triumph.
***
Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2011
Subject: UMass Boston Women 1 - St Anselm 4
At the Clark on a Saturday afternoon, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons lost to the Hawks of Saint Anselm College 1-4. STA played lovely hockey. Their skate and pass game produced stunning moments on the ice.
The scoreless opening period was action packed as the Hawks swarmed over the UMB blue line with waves of attackers. The line of seniors Sarah Ellins, Kristen Byrne and sophy Rosemarie Giarrusso was exceptional with their elegant dishes and inspired plays.
St Anselm were off the boil in the second. Nevertheless, they made it 0-1 when Giarrusso was left unmarked in front of the UMass goal and she drilled the puck home. Late in the period, senior Alexa Hingston's power play shot from the blue line extended the Hawk lead. The most diverting goal developed off a lovely pass from fabulous first-year Courtney Winters that splendid sophomore Kathryn Picarello one-timed for a 0-3 scoreline. Lovely goal.
During the finale, emerging Beacon fresher Sarahanne Cavolo slipped the biscuit under the STA goalie to cut the margin to 1-3. Near midway Hingston completed the scoring with another Hawk blast from the blue line that found the netting.
St Anselm is a treat to watch. First-year Jacqueline Bouchie makes delicious outlet passes from her defensive position. Junior Angela Zevnik is a strong defender who can motor. The partnership of Picarello and Winters is tres cher. Winters is the perfect fence as she feels the opposing net, while Picarello is continuously on the prowl. The woman of the match was the line of Giarrusso, Byrne and Ellins. Byrne adds these excellent touches that create lovely chances. Giarrusso is a sniper. She also makes her line move with her terrific skating. Ellins is a defensive forward with exciting pace. She supplies amazing transitions. Together they are thrilling.
***
Webcast Fri, 7 Jan 2011 Middlebury Women 9 - Wesleyan 0
Back at Kenyon Arena the Panthers of Middlebury exploded past the Wesleyan Cardinals. The Panthers came out with an urgent style of play that forced the Cardinals back into their own end. Sophy Maggie Woodward made it 1-0 Middlebury when she drilled the puck in from close range after a barrage of attacks. Next junior Panther Grace Waters broke up the gut and produced a lovely finish to up the margin to two. Towards the end of the first, classmate Maggie Melberg scored 2 power play goals for a 4-0 lead. She began by ramming into the back of the net a nice setup feed from sophomore Madison Styrbicki. Melberg's 2nd was a team sweep that left Wesleyan inundated. At the start of the middle period, second-year Lauren Greer tipped in a power play attempt to make it 5-0. After that the game's pace slowed. Styrbicki added to the Panther lead when she poked in a rebound. Junior Jamie Harisiades also connected with a side of the net rebound after a point blast from ever alert Heather Marrison. Middlebury cruised thru the finale. Melberg and Harisiades completed the scoring with a tuck and a swat to make it 9-0.
Middlebury's dynamic skating and heads-up passing was wonderful. Anna McNally's acceleration is what hockey is all about - her closing speed is amazing. Sleek yet deadly, fresher Sara Ugalde's stealthy moves make her difficult to mark. A classic goal scorer Waters feels the moment and goes for it. Senior Julia Ireland and first-year Madeline Joyce are lovely two-way players that combine great back-checking with fabulous attacks. Excellent fresher Jennifer Krakower had all the rich flavour and pulsating power of a French brownie - fondant au chocolat. The woman of the match, Krakower played brilliantly on the blue line.
***
Date: Sun, 12 Dec 2010
Subject: MIT Women 1 - Smith 1
Sunday afternoon the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers and the Smith College Pioneers played to a one all draw at Johnson Rink. Smith's organized style provided a multitude of options, while MIT used disguise and cunning. A tie was the result parfait.
The goalless opening period featured up and down the ice hockey. First one side would engineer a break, then the other would motor back, which made for a compelling contest. MIT 66 and Smith junior defender Jessie Kaplan provided a lovely series of duels.
At the start of the second, sophomore Pioneer Mary McGrath went end-to-end before roofing her try - lovely goal! MIT 66 responded with a rush, but once again Kaplan was there to keep her at bay. At the end of the segment the players were a tad gassed.
In the final frame the Engineers came back when MIT 66's speed used the current icing rule which allowed her to flip the puck over the Smith goalie for a 1-1 score. Both teams had good chances to win the game, however the goaltender union held firm.
Smith staged their talent behind the blue line. Senior netminder Beth Eby was solid. She gave attackers limited space to shoot at. Kaplan was a power defender that could move her feet more. Nevertheless, with all her minutes, Kaplan's marking was stellar. McGrath's bursts forward were terrific. An active blue liner, she made her side go.
MIT tender 33 was all over the puck. Her confidence was a significant support for her mates. MIT 34 provided strong defensive cover in her own zone. She kept it simple and orchestrated her team. MIT 66's twisting aggressive pace was a thrill. She makes her line come alive. MIT 66 with a longer stick - think of the mathematical possibilities!
***
Webcast Sat, 4 Dec 2010 Middlebury Women 3 - Williams 0
At Kenyon the Panthers of Middlebury eased past the Williams Ephs on Saturday. As the contest commenced Middlebury took control with smart skate and pass hockey. During a Panther power play, sophomore Heather Marrison's point shot flashed straight into the netting for a 1-0 advantage. Period two was a tad on the lethargic side. Middlebury extended their lead when sophy Maggie Woodward broke through the circle and ripped a shot that deflected off a defender into the goal. MC picked up the energy levels for the finale. Their breaks were crisp. Marrison concluded the scoring for Middlebury on a power play when she closed in from the point and drilled the puck home for a three-nil total.
The Ephs' Nicolle Perry displayed nice speed. Middlebury had a quiet game. Senior tender of the twine Alexi Bloom played with confidence. She managed her crease effectively. The defensive pairing of junior McKenzie Stevens and Marrison was lovely. Marrison's use of pace to cover problems was top-notch. Stevens was the defender of the match as her looping style created interesting possibilities. Frisky fresher Madeline Joyce used her fast skating to produce exciting moments. Senior Anna McNally combined a series of rich passes thru traffic with razor quickness for a lovely show.
***
Webcast Sun, 28 Nov 2010 Middlebury Women 5 - Bowdoin 2
Late Sunday afternoon at Kenyon Arena the Panthers of Middlebury defeated the Bowdoin Polar Bears. Middlebury came out hot and fast in the opening period of hockey and scored a power play goal when superlative senior Anna McNally tapped one in at the far post. Bowdoin tied the contest at 1-1 when junior Shelagh Merrill's outside shot found nothing but net. In the 2nd, fourth-year Panther Julia Ireland finished after coming in off a length of the ice break and a wonderful feed from fabulous fresher Sara Ugalde. Ugalde then made it 3-1 on another PPG when she drilled home after a lovely series of passes from juniors Grace Waters and Maggie Melberg. Great goal. Sophomore Madison Styrbicki's power play point blast extended the margin to three goals for Midd. Late in the segment, third-year Kendra Sweet collected a power play point score for the Polars to make it four-two. The Polar Bears surged forward during the final frame, however Middlebury stayed on top of the situations while creating rushes. Late in the game, McNally's empty-net goal for the Panthers made the result 5-2.
The most interesting player on the ice was Middlebury's McNally. She put on a passing clinic with her soft hands that paid dividends at both ends of the rink. McNally's excellent skating made that all possible. Blue liners Styrbicki and first-year Jennifer Krakower stood out with their intelligent reads, fast reactions and spirited style. Vigorous fresher Madeline Joyce made things happen for the Panthers with her lovely passing. The woman of the match was the power play unit of Waters, Melberg and Ugalde. They are fun as they sweep the biscuit around so quickly it creates a multitude of chances.
***
Webcast Sat, 27 Nov 2010 Middlebury Women 3 - Colby 0
Saturday evening at Kenyon the Panthers of Middlebury skated by the Colby Mules. From the first period Middlebury's off the puck movement was superb. The Panthers scored with an ooo-la-la cross-goal stab from junior Grace Waters - lovely goal. The middle interval found MC cranking up the volume with increased team speed. Panther Anna McNally made it 2-0 with a refined top shelf score. The striking senior made the space with her intense skating and collected an early goal of the year nominee. Colby brought more pressure in the finale, however Middlebury's counterattacks were marvelous. Senior Heidi Woodworth nailed MC's third goal with a low shot after a spell of swarming pressure.
First-year Samantha Slotnick and senior Stephanie Scarpato were splendid for the Mules. Slotnick's fluid nature provided a controlling element for her mates. Scarpato united a great penalty kill with a tough fore-check as she was the driving force for Colby. Middlebury fresher defender Jennifer Krakower's coverage and vision were lovely. Defender of the match Madison Styrbicki was excellent. The sophy's fierce play shutdown the opposition and added edge to the attack. Third-year Maggie Melberg sparkled with lovely reads and even better passes. Classmate Waters has enchanting moves. Her attacking touches were impressive. The woman of the match was McNally. She digs so hard for the Panthers with her gifted skating. McNally is a thrill.
***
Date: Sun, 21 Nov 2010
Subject: Northeastern Women 5 - Providence 1
At Matthews Arena the Northeastern Huskies slipped by the Providence College Friars 5-1. For the first half of Sunday afternoon's game it looked like PC could dominate. Instead, the N's connected and took the contest away.
After a stagnant start, with the Northeastern defense down and out, the Friar's jazzy junior Kate Bacon laid on a lovely feed to the far post where classmate Ashley Cottrell banged the puck into the near empty net. Lovely goal! It appeared Providence would add to their lead, however in the last minute of play, slick sophy blue liner Casie Fields broke up a PC attempt near her own goalmouth that resulted in a Husky transition that first-year Katie MacSorley converted at the other end to tie it at one all. Great D - lovely sequence.
In the 2nd, just after a Friar power play ended, a Northeastern rush found MacSorley using a redirect to hit the net. Providence pushed back hard, but the N's claimed a two goal edge (3-1) when fresher Claire Santostefano supplied the final touch.
The Huskies collected two more goals in the last period to complete the contest. First MacSorley finished a spell of NU pressure to wrap up her hat trick. And then, Santostefano slipped the biscuit under the PC goalie late in the game for the 5-1 count.
The Friar partnership of Bacon and Cottrell is a buzz as their attacking patterns are exciting stuff. Cottrell lives to score goals - always looking for half a chance. Bacon's lovely skating and passing parfait made her the Providence woman of the match.
***
Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2010
Subject: Northeastern Women 4 - Yale 0
Saturday afternoon at Matthews the Northeastern Huskies hammered the Yale Bulldogs four-nil. The N's controlled much of the match with lovely performances from their sophomores. The Elis were caught chasing the game.
In the relatively fast first period, NU effectively dominated. Super sophy Casey Pickett stuffed home a power play goal at the far post to make it 1-0 Huskies. A short time later, during a Yale defensive collapse, classmate Brittany Esposito drilled a backhand flip into the back of the net to up the margin to two.
The sloppy second produced no goals, however lots of stoppages. Before the midway point of the finale, Northeastern's Pickett executed a double loop rush and dig before finishing with a super excellent score. The Byronesque centre added the thrill that was otherwise sadly lacking in the contest. Second-year Husky blue liner Lindsay Domaas blasted in a late goal to make the total 4-0.
Yale's back-checking and breakout/transition concepts are a quagmire. The disconnects were prolific. Freshers Jennifer Lawrence and Jackie Raines are good. Raines is a power forward with huge potential. Lawrence is a clever striker with superb moves and spatial dynamics. The best defender on the ice was sophomore Tara Tomimoto. She was fully stuck in. Tomimoto's timing, speed and team play made things happen for the Elis.
***
Date: Sun, 24 Oct 2010
Subject: Northeastern Women 5 - Rensselaer 1
Sunday at Matthews the Northeastern Huskies defeated (5-1) the Rensselaer Engineers. The match was a work in progress vacillating between the tedious and what if?
The sedentary first period featured lazy stand around hockey. RPI had trouble getting the puck out of their own zone as the N's dumped the biscuit into their corners regularly. Finally Northeastern's splendid sophy Casey Pickett banked a loose puck home during some careless Engineer defensive play to make it 1-0. During a dubious NU power play, senior blue liner Julia Marty extended the lead to 2-0 when she gunned her try high from the near circle.
Rensselaer picked up their skating in the 2nd and took the play to the Huskies. Nevertheless, they created only a few smart chances. The N's collected another power play goal when junior Stephanie Gavronsky made it 3-0 at the end of the frame.
The finale produced goals but lacked grumba. First-year Husky Katie MacSorley slipped up the gut and made it 4-0. RPI sophomore Taylor Horton snapped her shot high far post to bring the tally to 4-1 - lovely goal! Marty closed out the scoring for Northeastern with a power play attempt, when her wide-angle shot made it 5-1. Lovely goal!
Fields for the N's and Vadner for RPI made some astute passes. Pickett was the chic skater as she created options for the Huskies. Rensselaer's junior defender Katie Daniels stayed cool and was clever when marking or breaking out. Captain fantastic Marty snuffed dangerous situations and made space when attacking. Marty was on form - a devastatingly good power defender.
Match reports 2009-2010
Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010
Subject: MIT Women 4 - Columbia 3
Saturday at Johnson the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers defeated the Columbia University Lions 4-3. It was an interesting match with the sides going for goals and featured some stylish passing.
After each team produced a few early rushes, MIT 4 scored when she was left unmarked at close range for a 1-0 Engineer advantage. Columbia's Sarah Kramer and Jenny Schiff missed nice attempts for the Lions, while MIT 18 cranked up her setup game from the blue line. In the dying seconds of the first, Kramer buried a power play goal for CU to tie it a one.
At the start of the second, MIT 33 got the last touch to lift the Engineers into a 2-1 lead. The Lions traded chances with their host until, at the end of the period, Ina Petkova scored on a power play for Columbia to knot the contest at two on a lovely feed from Kramer.
Both squads had good opportunities during the finale. Eventually MIT 31 collected the puck in front of net and fired home. A short time later, MIT 31 made it 4-2 when she banged in a rebound. Kramer pulled her side close when she finished a Columbia surge.
CU goalie Allison Levin made a number of quality saves on some deadly shots. Kramer powered the Lions with her intelligent reads, great dishes and bombastic bullets. MIT 4 was aggressive in her pursuit of attacking options. MIT 18's puck skills and lovely passing added grumba to the Engineer mix.
***
Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010
Subject: UMass Boston Women 0 - Southern Maine 2
Saturday afternoon the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons were shutout by the Southern Maine Huskies 0-2. It was a penalty filled game that was excessively tedious.
Southern Maine won the contest in the first with a backdoor tap by Christen Hart and a power play slot shot by Katie Davis. The less said about the last 2 periods the better. Nevertheless, with her excellent skating, Beacon junior blue liner Jazz Webber was easily the most interesting player on the ice.
Senior day at Clark rink featured six talented UMass Boston players. Parlato was a strong two-way player with an intrepid nature that made for spirited play. Even with the seduction of the sin bin, fleet of foot Cianciulli was best when swooping up wing and bursting in on goal. Lajoie was a quick-witted forward who sussed the situation and supplied the proper antidote. Corsino was the linemate you could most count on as she was perpetually there for her team. A wonderful skater, with delightful moves and an instinct for the net was top gun Nasta. Pohlman devised delicious treats on her shifts that combined skill and power with elan.
***
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010
Subject: Northeastern Women 1 - Providence 2
Saturday at Matthews the Northeastern Huskies lost to the Providence College Friars 1-2 in a key Hockey East contest. NU gave the game away by not capitalizing on their opportunities and letting PC hang with them.
The first period awoke with a Husky power play goal when fresher Brittany Esposito supplied the skating and passing that left Lindsay Berman all alone at the far post. After that there was a series of misconnects from both sides that promised little and delivered.
The quagmire continued in the middle session with lots of inept passes, mostly defensive skating and borderline rough play. That it remained 1-0 was not a surprise.
Northeastern could have put the pedal to the metal during the 1st half of the third, however even with multiple chances, avoided shooting the puck. A little after midway Providence sophomore Ashley Cottrell went on a razzle up the gut and tied the match at one all. Nicole Anderson notched the game winning goal for the Friars when she went on a long break up the middle and scored.
Esposito appeared half a beat from a stellar striking role for the Huskies. Her clever skating was too brief a treat. Esposito's dishes are exceptional. Junior Jean O'Neill's silken skills deserved much better PC stage management. First-year Husky Casie Fields is developing in many directions. With a longer stick, perhaps the lovely blue liner could crush the suspense.
***
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010
Subject: Harvard Women 2 - Rensselaer 4
Saturday afternoon at Bright the Rensselaer Engineers won 2-4. RPI played fast heads-up hockey and kept a step ahead of their rival to steam to a lovely victory.
The first was largely about senior Allysen Weidner who was super quick to the puck and led an RPI surge that controlled play with strong skating. Appropriately, Weidner helped set up the opening goal when sophy Laura Guillemette got the last poke, early in the contest. Senior sensation Laura Gersten made it 0-2 Engineers, when her power play point blast locked on the high netting. Late in the period, with Rensselaer in prevent mode, they conceded a goal.
RPI raged off the bench to start the center segment. They could have scored early, however did finish just before halftime when Gersten broke down the left wing, cut in on goal and fired high far post to regain the 2 goal Engineer advantage. Lovely goal! Mostly, Rensselaer's high tempo style gave them a decided edge. Occasionally, they spooked themselves and became penned up in their own end.
The Engineers remained in the driver's seat as the finale began. They were hesitant for spells, yet managed to stay on top of things. In the last six minutes, RPI slipped back into prevent and let one in, but sophomore Alisa Harrison notched an empty-net goal for a 2-4 triumph.
Rensselaer skaters - Gersten, Harrison, Weidner, Whitney Naslund and Allison Wright - threw their side forward with speed and spunk. It made for a great fore-check and tidy back-checking. RPI passers - Naslund and Gersten - made enlightened touches that moved their team to a different level. Naslund was a treat. Second-year Katie Daniels had a smooth skill set that settled the defense. Classmate Sierra Vadner made excellent breakups at her blue line during the second half. The woman of the match was Gersten. She plays with moxie and is Rensselaer's talisman. Gersten is a wonderfully intelligent defender and a class act.
***
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 2010
Subject: Trinity Women 3 - Bowdoin 0
With light snowflakes falling outside Clark rink, the Trinity College Bantams shutout the Bowdoin Polar Bears 3-0 in an opening round match at the Codfish bowl. The NESCAC derby lacked grumba. It was about being careful and not letting much out before the upcoming league matches.
The first was mostly as slow as the snowfall outside. Trinity junior Kim Weiss laid on a lovely pass on a 2 on 1 break. Fabulous fresher Kim Tess-Wanat dazzled with her fluid skating and her excellent back and fore-checking for the Polar Bears. However, it added up to nothing.
The Bantams took the lead on a drilled power play point shot by third-year Laura Komarek. It appeared that Trinity could have taken it to Bowdoin, if they had turned up the volume. The Bears came close to tying things up, including a diverting chance produced by sophy Katie Herter. In the last minute of the middle frame, after junior Sarah Kohn made a lovely solo break, and after the ensuing face-off, classmate Jill Roloff circled the far circle and buried her try for a 2-0 Trinity edge.
Second-year Celia Colman-McGaw ended any faint sense of suspense, when she created a turnover, broke-in on goal and deked and tucked the puck home to conclude the scoring at 3-0 Bantams.
The Polar Bears were a tad on the feisty side. They like possessing the puck and orchestrate breaks from their end. Bowdoin has some talent, but hesitates. At times, Herter turned it on and gave the Bears an attacking dimension. Tess-Wanat was lovely. Her dynamic skating is a treat. Tess-Wanat's two-way play is an important weapon for Bowdoin.
Trinity rarely went for it. While they were in control with their laid-back style, that left much to be desired. Komarek was a splendid defender and had a talent for rushing forward and putting pressure on the Bowdoin net. Colman-McGaw was fun. She needs a longer stick, nevertheless her moves and quickness were superb. Weiss was easily the best playmaker on the ice. She senses the moment and times her lovely feeds perfectly. Weiss remains interesting.
***
Date: Tue, 8 Dec 2009
Subject: UMass Boston Women 3 - Saint Anselm 2
Tuesday at Clark Athletic Center, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons pulled off an important league victory (3-2) over the Hawks of Saint Anselm College. At long last, two teams who love to skate! Neither could be models for off the puck movement, however their flashing blades were a treat.
STA came out and flamed UMB in the opening period with a combination of fast skating and double dip shooting. The Beacons withstood the blitz and scored first when Kristen Smith's power play point shot deflected thru a maze of players. The Hawks were cautious for a few minutes and then continued their direct approach. That resulted in a thunderbolt from St Anselm fresher Kathryn Picarello, who burst in on net and tied the match at one with a shot-shot.
The second was primarily about UMass sophomore Sam Phillips. STA was still skating quickly (see Sarah Ellins), but was not connecting as a team. Enter Phillips. From a face-off Lauren Duran buried her try for UMB from the right slot. Next Katie Kirwan made it 3-1 Beacons with another slot shot. Both tallies were made by the lovely jets and perceptive play fashioned by Phillips. Impressive.
Early in the final frame, first-year Rosemarie Giarrusso tapped in at the side of the goal after a patch of Hawk pressure. After that, both sides had good chances, though neither capitalized. The intensity of the affair lasted thru the last tick of the clock.
St Anselm love to run and gun. Their quickness was wonderful. The Hawks prefer a pinball style, going for multiple whacks. They did pull together some memorable setups, yet in general remained a beat off with each other. Sophy Angela Zevnik was an intelligent blue liner who blended clever moves with timely breakups and dishes. Providing lovely marking, junior Alexa Hingston was all over the ice. Senior Maria Dougherty was on fire as she led her side forward. The most interesting player on the ice was third-year Ellins. Her blazing pace and ability to create chances was remarkable. The Hawks' woman of the match was Picarello. Her thrilling attacks made the game. Picarello used her mates so well to create splendid situations.
***
Date: Sun, 6 Dec 2009
Subject: MIT Women 8 - Bay Path 1
Sunday afternoon at Johnson Rink the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers defeated the Bay Path Wildcats 8-1. It was a fun match with lots of action. MIT found victory with their skating edge.
The Engineers came out and scored early when MIT 11 went the length of the ice and tucked the puck home. Bay Path countered with a series of long rushes from BPC 17. Late in the period, MIT 23 drilled one in from the high right circle to make it 2-0. MIT 18 expanded the lead when she circled the net and flipped in against the flow of play.
The Techers made it 4-0 as the 2nd unfolded, when MIT 20 banked one in from the right slot. MIT 25 followed that up with a point shot that found nothing but net. BPC 17 cut the tally to 5-1, when she converted on one of her end-to-end rushes. Overall, a good period of up and down hockey.At the start of the finale, MIT 11 threaded her shot in at the near post. MIT 17 made it 7-1 when she finished a two on none break. The Engineers concluded the scoring when MIT 18 sliced over the blue line and drove the puck by the BPC netminder.
MIT and Bay Path clearly spend too much effort on position and not enough on skating skills. Nevertheless, unlike some DI's, they weren't dead on their skates after 5 minutes. BPC 17 moved her team forward with her power skating and stinging wrister. MIT 8 provided nice cover from her defensive duty. MIT 11 played with drive. She provided momentum for her mates. From her roving blue line assignment, MIT 18 made some lovely moves. Her wonderful acceleration created dynamic hockey.
***
Date: Sun, 29 Nov 2009 Subject: Northeastern Women 1 - New Hampshire 2
Sunday afternoon at Matthews, the Northeastern Huskies lost to the University of New Hampshire Wildcats. UNH muddled through with two shorthanded strikes for the 1-2 win.
There was little skating, which didn't help the pathetic passing of the first. The lone score came in the last minute when Kelly Paton ran a deke and tuck while UNH was a player down.
At the start of the 2nd, the N's surged forward and tied the match at one when Kristi Kehoe received a nice feed at the backdoor and finished. The rest of the period the teams took turns putting on pressure, though since both have limited attacking skills, not much happened.
New Hampshire won the match late in the third, with another shorthanded effort, when Courtney Birchard's rising slapper from inside the blue line found the net.
Senior Annie Hogan was the speedster up front for Northeastern. Her energetic darts were delightful. The top defensive pairing of senior Kasey Cedorchuk and junior Julia Marty combined strength with clever marking. The most interesting player on the ice was second-year Florence Schelling. She is a wonderful tender of the twine. Schelling was in one of her "Cela!" moods - snarfing up pucks like a kid in a chocolate shop.
***
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2009
Subject: Northeastern Women 4 - Robert Morris 0
Saturday the Northeastern Huskies trounced the Robert Morris Colonials 4-0 at Matthews. It looked like it would be an even contest, and then NU notched three early goals, and with the backstopper parfait adding the punctuation, the match was over.
RMU appear to be a mirror team. They started out with an aggressive posture in the first, but rapidly morphed into a Northeastern style of play. That helped the N's, who scored 3 unanswered goals. Junior Lori Antflick ran a deke and tuck in the crease to light up the scoreboard. Junior Alyssa Wohlfeiler made it 2-0 when she collected a feed at the left side of the net and buried it. Lovely setup pass! Second-year Stephanie Gavronsky completed the Husky onslaught when she drilled her try from the right circle to the near post roof. The play of the period - Northeastern's Florence Schelling's right pad kicked out what had to be a goal for Robert Morris. The acute angle was exceptionally difficult, however, not for Schelling. Save of the year?
The middle frame was pedestrian. RMU napped and NU on occasion pushed it. The N's went up by four when junior Kristi Kehoe stuffed a pass from behind the net for a power play goal.
Northeastern played the finale with all the confidence a multiple goal lead promotes. There was no scoring, only sloppy attempts.
Superior senior Kasey Cedorchuk and frisky freshers Casie Fields and Lindsay Domaas were looking good on the N's blue line. Nice marking, rapid responses and the poise to pull it all off characterized the trio. The woman of the match was sophomore sensation Schelling. This is a goalie. Her skill set is superb. Schelling's lovely style remains exquisitely incomprehensible.
***
Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2009
Subject: Northeastern Women 1 - Connecticut 1
At Matthews Arena, on Sunday afternoon, the Northeastern Huskies and the Connecticut Huskies played to 1-1 draw. Neither side played well. Both waited for the game to come to them.
With more zebras than you could shake a stick at, if that's your idea of a good time, the opening was dull - lots of rules, players light on their sticks and scant relish for skating. UConn scored the lone tally when junior Tiffany Good cut to the crease and slid the puck in at the low far post for a 0-1 advantage.
The second period found Connecticut making more plays, however NU tied the match at one when first-year Casey Pickett's slot shot hit the net, after the inept UConn defenders backed in on their goal. Slick sophy Northeastern netminder Florence Schelling made a number of yummy saves.
The N's wasted many power play chances in the final phase. They seemed to be waiting for a shootout. Connecticut also didn't go for it. Eventually, after the 3rd, OT and SO, Northeastern had some reason to celebrate.
The best skaters were NU senior Kasey Cedorchuk and UConn fresher Monique Weber. They created situations with their sudden bursts and timely interventions. The most interesting player on the ice was Northeastern's Schelling. After a suspicious start, she locked in her technique parfait and positively pounced on the puck. Schelling's nimble moves are a treat.
Match reports 2008-2009
Date: Sun, 8 Mar 2009
Subject: Dartmouth Women 6 - Rensselaer 1
Sunday afternoon at Bright, the Dartmouth Big Green won the ECAC DI Championship playoffs by ravaging the Rensselaer Engineers 6-1. RPI kept on skating and making plays right till the end of this extremely good contest. However, DC was too strong and again stepped out of the box to create diverting chances and thus win the final.
After some strong pressure from Rensselaer, Dartmouth produced a length of the ice break that ended when senior Sarah Parsons slipped the puck to sophomore Alyssa Boehm who flicked it in for a 1-0 lead. Briefly, Big Green came on with a series of threatening attacks, while gradually RPI skated their way back into the game. The Engineers did well to end the first only down by one.
The teams were more cautious in the middle frame. During a DC nap, Rensselaer first-year Jill Vandegrift was left unmarked in the right slot and drilled the puck in to tie the match. Dartmouth came right back when super senior Shannon Bowman's right slot shot eluded the netminder. Things were getting tight, when during a DC power play Maggie Kennedy hammered home a left point slapper, that found nothing but net. At 3-1 the game was slipping away from RPI.
Big Green came out and produced the killer goal about five minutes into the final period. Junior Jenna Cunningham came down the right wing and directed her try in to make it 4-1. Just beyond midway, Parsons threaded the biscuit in from the side of the net, during a Dartmouth power play. Rensselaer continued to push it, however, with about four minutes left, second-year Amanda Trunzo made it 6-1, for a convincing culmination to matters.
RPI looked good. They skated well, stayed with their assignments and were seldom afraid to have a go. Up front Vandegrift was always drifting into danger spots. The top talent lay on the Engineer blue line. Third-year Laura Gersten was a strong, aggressive defender who gave away little and made numerous huge plays. The most interesting player on the ice was fabulous fresher Sierra Vadner. She did overcommit early on, and did not have a great passing day - though her soft, sweet touch feeds were delicious and spoke volumes of her skill. Vadner's cover was superb due to her tight turn, supple skating. She is rather wonderful and could be positively brilliant.
Dartmouth were confident. They generally controlled the match, when their guarded nature did not hinder them. The key was DC's skill to create interesting patterns and finish attacks. Senior Kennedy gunned it. Her attacks forced her adversary back and made space for her mates. Bowman made things happen for the Big Green offense. Great at finding open ice and providing lovely setup passes, Bowman was DC's best player.
***
Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2009
Subject: UMass Boston Women 4 - New England College 0
Late Friday afternoon at Clark, with a nice cooling breeze outside, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons shutout (4-0) the New England College Pilgrims. NEC did not have the legs to challenge, but kept the game close. The Beacons appeared a tad unhinged - perhaps Bobby ran into Pharos?
"You, could tell I was no debutante" and that perhaps was why UMB came out playing stop hockey with NEC. The Pilgrims had the better passing plays in the period, while UMass Boston had much better skating, when they chose to use it. Beacon sophomore Kristen Smith netted the singular score of the first, when she went high with her shot from the left slot. While junior Sandy Parlato gave a powerful performance on the UMB blue line.
In the middle frame, UMass seemed to gain an inkling that they could use their speed with a few dishes around the edges, and then head up the middle. The result was a series of borderline dangerous attacks that unsettled the Pilgrims. Sophomore Lauren Duran made it 2-0 UMB, when she banged home a delicious center from junior Maria Nasta. Lovely play! Nevertheless, at the end of two, it remained a tight contest.
For the finale, the Beacons had found confidence. They put the game away on a power play when Nasta found jazzy Jazz Webber at the top left circle, and she went for the roof. NEC tried valiantly to get back in the match, but instead sophomore Rachel Sousa deked up the gut and slipped the puck low into the netting, to finish it at 4-0.
The Pilgrims play a solid control system. Given their skating skills, they do not have lots of options. However, NEC could easily pull an upset during the impending playoffs with their passing talents. First-year Chelsea Torrico turned in an intrepid performance. She back-checked well and used her speed to move her side forward.
***
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009
Subject: MIT Women 1 - UMass Boston 4
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers lost the DIII Beanpot to the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons 1-4, in a closely played match. Some people were more than a tad hungover from partying last night with the Groundhog - probably OD'd on the Burdick chocolate snowflakes.
With shimmering snow making good on the one month of tough sledding prediction, Tuesday evening's contest at Johnson got off to a relatively quick start. The biggest issue both teams faced was stopping themselves, with little movement off the puck and no look passing. About halfway in, first-year Emily Brienzo took a feed in the slot and went high for a 0-1 UMB lead. In the last few minutes, classmate Kelly Gillis drifted thru the MIT defense and finished top of the netting, for a 2 goal advantage.
The second stanza remained devoted to opportunism. The sides played hard, with tempers rising. The treats of the period were some lovely moves from UMB junior Maria Nasta. UMB found a power play goal when sophomore Lauren Duran deflected home a bouncer from the outside to make it 0-3.
The finale reminded that this was the D3 Beanpot. A bit on the chippy side, however, with more instances of a wide variety of players producing good plays at both ends of the ice. At the start, MIT sophomore Lauren Kazmierski knocked in a rebound to cut the tally to 1-3 - game on. And then, a short time later, Nasta closed on net and ripped a wrister that parried in for UMB, to complete the scoring at 1-4.
Senior Night was a gutsy performance. Both sides skated well. On defense Jazz Webber showed excellent pace for UMB, though she does need to combine her vision and dishes. MIT's trio of blue liners - junior Kelcie Abraham and seniors Stephanie Brenman and Sara John - were tough. Abraham stayed calm and held things together. John made some interesting forays, while Brenman was on edge, with lovely marking and smart passing. Up front, UMB's Nasta stood out. Her superb skating and touch control were hot. When Nasta takes charge of a game, her team becomes energized.
***
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009
Subject: UMass Boston Women 3 - Middlebury 6
At Clark, on a chilly, late Tuesday afternoon, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons could not withstand the Panthers of Middlebury, who won 3-6. UMB played strong, however the skills of Midd, whose team play was a treat, were the deciding factor.
In the first, UMass skated hard to keep things under control - until Middlebury unleashed torrents of lovely attacks - Stelle, un bacio! The Panther passing was sumptuous. What delicacy can't exceptional sophy Anna McNally conjure? McNally opened the scoring when she slipped the puck under the Beacons' goalie. UMB came back, after some sloppy Midd defending let top gun Maria Nasta drill her try low, for a 1-1 draw. Lovely hockey.
Near the beginning of the middle frame, the Panthers unloaded. First junior Ashley Bairos took a delicious feed from clever fresher Maggie Melberg, made a lovely move and finished. Off the ensuing face-off, super senior Annmarie Cellino went up the gut, to make is 1-3 Midd. The Beacons' Nasta got her side back in it again, with a power play goal, when her point shot took a bouncing deflection. And then, sophomore sensation Nora Bergman laid on a lovely breaking dish, which jazzy junior Heather McCormack latched onto, went in all alone and buried, to make it 2-4 Middlebury. Perhaps the goal of the year? It was a wonderful period of ice hockey.
In the final segment, both sides pushed it. Senior Erika Nakamura gave the Panthers a 3 goal advantage, after a shot from Melberg, as the puck slowly moved across the goal line. Credit Melberg for setting up the initial chance. Late in the game, the teams exchanged scores. Midd senior Molly Vitt collected an empty-net, power play goal and UMB senior Maria Guanci shot and scored from the circle to conclude the count at 3-6.
Middlebury takes the initiative. As each player makes a play another is anticipating and therefore producing remarkable hockey. The Panthers movement off the puck is finely matched by passing parfait. They imagine creative situations few can conceive. The defender of the match was senior Randi Dumont. The top blue liner with reads and perseverance for lovely cover, she is a great skater and naturally a fine passer. Fellow defender second-year Heidi Woodworth works well with her mates. She is an excellent marker and hard to get by. The fastest Panther was Nakamura. She forces the hand of her adversaries with her dazzling moves. McCormack is an elegant striker that fashions magical moments. Another Midd forward has poise and plays with forethought. The linemate parfait, she senses opportunities and uses her shifts to make the most of them. Her name: Cellino. Bergman is a lovely passer, on a team of passers. She weights her dishes perfectly. The most interesting player on the ice was Melberg, who is a classic Panther. Smart, knows what everyone is doing on the ice and makes the telling plays. Isn't afraid to twist and turn, in and out of transitions, she is a lovely attacker. The woman of the match was McNally. She has sweet touch passing, is loaded with vision and the sense to ease off at times, and then gun it. McNally seems to float as she develops dangerous attacks. She also digs back for defensive cover! Middlebury's skating remains all adverbs.
***
Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2009
Subject: UMass Boston Women 1 - Manhattanville 5
On a wintry Saturday afternoon, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons were defeated 1-5 by the Manhattanville Valiants. Mville's superior skating combined with an arcing attack was too much for UMB.
The snow was falling in the UMass end of Clark rink, indicating the dominance of the Valiants in the opening period. Even with a strong effort at back-checking from the Beacons, Manhattanville's fore-checking and passing were too good. Junior Alex Findlay made it 0-1 Mville when shesqueaked in a rebound during a power play. A series of Valiant rushesfollowed, that lacked the killer pass, and then, in the last minutes, senior Natalie Zitek finished off a lovely three-way passing play with her linemates Shannon Coffey and Monique Rafferty, for a two goal lead. The execution was superb on this brilliant goal.
The snow showers followed UMB to the other end of the ice as the second started. Second-year Kristen Smith made it 1-2 after a turnover, long break and shot high near post. However, Manhattanville came right back and restored their two goal advantage on a high point shot from third-year Sarah Fullerton that flew straight in, after a face-off. Striking sophy Holly Nonis extended the margin when her left middle circle slapper found net, as the Beacons stood around. Nonis had gone close several times, and it was fitting that she nailed the killer goal. Senior defender Erin Brawley collected another for Mville when she slipped the puck in from the right circle. UMB were at sixes and sevens. Manhattanville was winning easily 1-5.
The finale was mostly about going through the motions. UMass tried to get it together and the Valiants worked on their containment game, as a few jazz riffs flitted along.
How good is Manhattanville? They have lovely strikers, extremely good goaltenders and a smart defense. They might spread their movement and change the point of attack more - nevertheless - the best defense is a great offense, and they have one. Fullerton flew here and there and made excellent plays from the blue line. The line of Coffey, Zitek and Rafferty was wonderful. They moved the puck so well. Their shifts gave them lovely separation. Zitek was particularly outstanding with her high energy style. The woman of the match was Nonis. She is strong and a key figure at both ends of the ice. Nonis makes deceptive moves that come from intelligent perception that sets herself and her mates free. The Vals are back.
***
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009
Subject: MIT Women 2 - Nichols 1
Tuesday evening at Johnson rink, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers defeated, 2-1, the Nichols Bison. It was a compelling contest, as both sides were going for it.
The teams came out driven in the first. Play built up from rather ragged to nice two-way hockey. MIT took the lead with a power play goal when a rebound dropped into the goal - credit fresher Clarion Hess. The difference in the period was splendid senior Stephanie Brenman, whose bold blue line moves were decisive for the Techers.
It was a close center segment, with many good chances, however only Nichols found the net. First-year Krista-Jean Forand did that by holding off the Engineer defense and staying with her rush, before slamming her shot crosscourt. Lovely goal.
The Bison had more attacks in the 3rd, as the sides tried to break the draw, however, with five minutes left MIT gained victory when Hess poked home the puck at the far side of the net, after a face-off. Nichols came back hard, but couldn't find a score.
Nichols played a strong game. Their tight control system was fairly successful at prevention and production. Speedy sophy forward Cheryl Winter zipped over the ice surface creating havoc. She gave her team energy. Forand is a forceful attacker who enjoys taking it to her opponents. She looked the mostly likely to make the telling break.
TIM's new suits noir suggests too much time at the Princeton computing center - though perhaps it worked out just as well - Tiger stripes on an Engineer - oh my. MIT wasted lots of tries by deking instead of shooting. While they moved the puck effectively, the final touch was missing. Nevertheless, the Techers created opportunities. Hess showed nice speed at both ends of the ice. She took the game winning goal with style. The woman of the match was Brenman. Her defensive reads and lovely passing were excellent. Brenman led her squad to an important league win.
***
Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009
Subject: Trinity Women 6 - Neumann 5
Monday afternoon, at Clark Athletic Center, the Trinity College Bantams won the opening match of the Codfish Bowl by defeating the Neumann Knights 6-5. The T's skating turned the game around and held off a strong Neumann side.
It was a fast first period. Trinity were quick on their blades, however gave their opponent too much room. The Knights stuck with their set plays and were strong on the puck. Trinity sophomore Jill Roloff opened the scoring when she threaded the puck high into the netting, from the near circle. Second-year Jessica Schroeder tied it at one, when she deked home the 6th Neumann breakaway attempt. Entertaining.
At the start of the second, the Bantams came out with swirling speed and went right at the NC plan. The result was turnovers and a swarming Trinity attack that was decimating. Sophy Laura Komarek's power play point shot found the back of the net, after some lovely control from TC. Trinity went up by 3-1 when classmate Sarah Kohn nailed a rebound, after waves of Bantam attackers had created massive pressure. Late in the period, Neumann notched a scrum goal by Jasper Thomson, nevertheless, Trinity's frisky fresher Hannah Harvey soon regained their 2 goal margin during a slamming break-in play. The T's were hot.
The finale was a mixed bag. Sometimes the Bantams were in total control and then they'd take a nap. The Knights hung tough and came close to tying the contest. Early on, Neumann sophomore Stephanie Nakamura saw her point shot deflect in, to make it 4-3. Trinity picked up the pace and scored twice. TC sophy Kim Weiss poked in a power play rebound after a shot from senior Michelle Chee, from a face-off. Harvey's slot blast made it 6-3 Bantams. That goal was made by Roloff's excellent break and corner feed. Near the end of the match, NC's Schroeder weaved her way thru the Trinity defense and buried it. The final score came from Knights first-year Thomson, who hammered it, for the 6-5 final.
Neumann is a big team with a good scheme. Their skating is not always up to the task. Flexibility is lacking. At times, Nakamura, Holly Williams and Schroeder showed tenacity.
When Trinity is flying, they are a lovely team. Effervescent, the T's have the talent to take charge of a game. Their blue liners were a tad disorganized today. Kohn was moving. Her escapades made the fore-check go. The combo platter of Roloff and Harvey was speedy and dangerous. The line of Weiss, Chee and Britney McKenna was wonderful. Their stick skills and sense of timing were impressive. The woman of the match was senior Kelley McCarthy. She was tout le monde. The talent laden defender used her vision and quickness to move her team.
***
Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009
Subject: Harvard Women 0 - Princeton 1
With a lovely layer of snow outside Bright, the Princeton Tigers claimed a 0-1 victory Friday night. The skating was excessively slow. The suave Tiger suits deserved better.
A sluggish opening period featured stop hockey. The second was mostly the same, though even more poky. Princeton fresher Heather Landry scored the game winning goal around halftime when she collected a low circle pass and slipped the puck in at the near post. Naturally, the Tigers sat on their lead for the remainder of the match, however, with the tempo at life support, they escaped burning themselves.
Princeton played it close to the vest. In goal, senior Kristen Young's agile moves gave her side a solid base to skate from. The defense was further enhanced by classmate Katherine Dineen, who combined classic blue line skills with determination. The most interesting player on the ice was Landry. Sleek speed and the sense to seek out space and make the most of it makes her a clever attacker. Landry could develop in many directions.
***
Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2008
Subject: MIT Women 0 - Manhattanville 6
Saturday afternoon the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers lost to the Manhattanville College Valiants 0-6. The score somewhat flatters. It was an interesting match with both sides moving extremely well.
The teams came out skating fast in the first. It really was quite a show. The strange part was that MIT's passing was superior. Nevertheless, Mville collected two goals: second-year Holly Nonis tapped in from right in front of net and junior Alex Findlay nailed a power play left slot try - lovely goal!
The middle session was slower. The Valiants continued their blanket coverage game. MIT remained dangerous, with Kameron Klauber generating attacks. Senior Alex Blackwell sent the puck in from the side of the net, to make it 0-3, during a Manhattanville power play. First-year Brianne Alfred poked home thru a crowd to further the lead. However, the Techers looked determined.
The finale featured more sustained pressure from Mville. MIT did well to hold them to 2 more goals. Second-year Shannon Coffey knocked in a rebound to make it 0-5 Valiants. The Engineers came back with some drives of their own, before Manhattanville first-year Jaime Bonner followed up a series of attempts to conclude the scoring. The Techers looked gassed, while Mville had all the confidence of a six goal margin.
Manhattanville pulled together a strong performance. Their skating was potent. Their passing was pathetic. The Valiants do not use each other well. In goal, senior Karine Turmel was gifted at settling things down in her own end. Her mates could count on her and that made a number of things work. Buzzsaw Blackwell had a tenacious attacking game. She was always on the puck. Nonis made some delicious moves. She slipped thru the MIT end like a hot knife thru butter.
MIT played good hockey. Their skating was strong and they moved the puck well. The Engineers were solid in their end and created good chances up ice. The blue liners were held together by seniors Stephanie Brenman and Sara John. Smart, resilient defenders, they kept things tidy at the back. Klauber made a number of good solo breaks.
Match reports 2007-2008
Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2008
Subject: UMass Boston Women 1 - Saint Anselm 3
It was a lovely day for hockey, as ultra light snow started falling outside the Clark Athletic Center. The University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons were defeated by the Hawks of Saint Anselm College 1-3. Saturday afternoon the Beacons needed their A game, but went with gimmicks instead. St. Anselm's quickness was too good.
The Hawks came out fast and strong to start the match. SAC junior Kathleen Twomey dug the right wing boards, captured the puck and went for net, where classmate Kelsey Johnson burst in and swatted it home for a 0-1 lead. St. Anselm continued their refined playmaking for most of the period, and only some ace saves from third-year goaltender Jessica Sams and equally lovely breakups from sophy blue liner Stephanie Medeiros kept UMB close. The Hawks love to hunt in pairs. Johnson and Twomey were having a wonderful time ripping the ice.
Mass Boston opened on a power play to begin the second. They scored when forward Lauren Duran made a nice cross-net pass that first-year Hannah Davis drove into the netting. St. Anselm came right back with their own PPG, when fresher Alexa Hingston took a high slot shot to make it 1-2. That goal developed from a face-off draw by Twomey. After that, play became up and down, though more of the time was spent in the Beacon end. UMB had strong checking from second-year Sandy Parlato and a lovely solo move and shot from suave center Maria Nasta. Twomey was turning it on with her gorgeous spin style. Meanwhile, jazzy junior Bianca DeSantis was back in fly time mode, creating great fore-checking. Overall, a fun twenty minutes of hockey.
Repeating the standard of the first two periods, the final got under way with a goal at the end of a Hawk power play. Hingston produced the classic feed to sophomore Arianna Rigano at the backdoor and Rigano slammed it in to establish a 1-3 edge. St. Anselm's team control game dominated the third. Sams foiled a number of goal attempts with her quick reaction saves for the Beacons. UMB tried to push it, however SAC were too quick.
Smart, fast, strong and determined is why the Hawks are so hot. Their team speed is a treat to watch. Add in the marvelous play development and you have excellent hockey. The defender of the match was senior Brittany Kretzman. A daring blue liner with burning pace, she's on the puck and changing the equation in a flash. Kretzman was on song. Sophy defender Daniella Lyons' passing was yummy. Her skating was remarkable. In goal, senior Andrea Berlin stoned UMass Boston, never giving them half a chance, with her positioning parfait. The woman of the match was the hypothetical line of Twomey centering DeSantis and Johnson. Oooooo - what a concept! Twomey used her rich skill set to make so many little things happen for her mates. She makes time for plays to unfold and is a super skater. A loop, a whirl, a vertical climb and once again you know it's time for DeSantis! She is so fast and has a clever stick - a pleasure to watch. This being a speed line, the mercurial Johnson flipped on her warp drive with electrifying results. Johnson, like her fellow Hawks, is positively pyrotechnic.
***
Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2008
Subject: MIT Women 1 - Norwich - 3
It was a sunny day, periodically filled with terrifying shadows, giving full value to the Groundhog's prognosis of six more months of winter, as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers lost a close 1-3 match. MIT were strong on the puck and played entertaining hockey today at Johnson rink.
Saturday afternoon's game began with a hard-fought first period. The Engineers gave up the opening score when their defense left a forward uncovered in the far slot. Later, MIT had the puck looted, resulting in a solo walk-in tally. At that point, the Cantabrigians picked up their play and starting pushing into their foe's end of the ice. MIT junior Catherine Harding took advantage of some slack passing from her opponents and cruised into the high right circle before roofing her drive to make the score 1-2. Nice shot!
While the Engineers looked a tad tired in the middle session, they continued their solid performance. Much of the time, the MIT forward's back-checking was not very good. It put pressure on their defenders, who nevertheless handled it. At the end of killing off a power play, the Engineers let in another goal, during a scrum in front of net to make it 1-3.
There was no scoring in the finale. MIT continued to control large sections of the contest. Their attack was not nearly as substantial as in the first two periods. The Engineer blue liners were impressive.
MIT played exceptionally well on special teams. Their penalty kill was particularly proficient at keeping things tidy. The power play was intelligent, not overreacting to situations, but simply using who was open. Fresher goalie Rachel Bowens-Rubin was good. She worked well with her defense and showed a quick mitten. Winger Harding was sharp to the puck. Her skating was great. The woman of the match was junior Stephanie Brenman. Her aggressive defensive style was superb. It shut down many problems and transitioned onto attack with ease. Brenman is on her game.
***
Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2008
Subject: UMass Boston Women 2 - Salve Regina 4
Saturday at noon, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons lost to the Salve Regina Seahawks. The 2-4 triumph, at Centre Clark, was a solid performance by Salve. Their skillful teamwork proved to be the difference.
The first period was sluggish. While both sides tried to create plays, neither was skating well enough. UMB opened the scoring when Lauren Duran went on a solo right wing rush, cut in toward goal and drilled her try high into the netting. After that, there was posturing, some good passing from SR, but little else. Fresher Seahawk Molly Golden eventually latched onto a longball break, flew in on net and converted with a lovely deke and tuck. Immediately following that, Salve took the lead at 1-2, when first-year Teresa Santore was left unmarked at the back post, and banked home the feed parfait from classmates Kendra Andrie and Katie Cox. Lovely goal!
The Seahawks came out determined at the start of the middle stage. Senior blue liner Aimee Provencher took the puck to a Beacon corner and centered into the crease, where second-year Ally Carr tapped it in for a 1-3 SR margin. At that point, UMass Boston awoke. The pace picked up. Salve Regina looked more organized, however individual Beacons pushed it, when they were not in the box. The stellar moment came when UMB senior Lauren O'Connor laid on a delicious feed, that SR junior Tamsin Gosselin foiled with a lovely save!
For much of the third, UMass looked confused. None of their gunners were online. Salve played smart - going for the 4th goal and keeping it tight at the back. With five minutes left, first-year Beacon Rachel Sousa found sophy Maria Nasta at the far post, as the pair streaked in. Nasta roofed the pass, to make it 2-3. UMB pressed it, but the Seahawks' containment held. With a dozen seconds left, Caitlin Campbell collected an empty-net goal to make the final 2-4 Salve Regina.
The Seahawks are a good, developing team. They play a relatively simple system. Salve can move the puck effectively. Their skating is not up to scratch. It prevents interesting possibilities from happening. Nevertheless, SR played an intelligent contest today and fully deserved the league points. Sophomore Krissy Roche is a quick blue liner who reads the play nicely. Up front, fresher Kristen Cokely skated well and was an attractive addition to the mix. First-years Gabrielle Gardner and Golden have the start of a wonderful partnership on the ice. Gardner is always looking and moving to the hot spots. Golden has impressive speed and is a menace to the opposition. The Salve Regina woman of the match was Gosselin. A very fast tender, she is very aware of her surroundings. Like most good goalies, her pipes are her close friends. Gosselin played an exceptional game.
UMass Boston has good team speed, when they use it. They do not move well off the puck. If the Beacons played smarter hockey they might start to fulfill their potential. As it stands, they are easy to divert. Forward O'Connor had a lovely outing. She skated hard and made a number of fine passes. First-year Jazz Webber is evolving into a strong defender. Her backup cover was timely and very helpful. Webber's movement was robust and well judged. Nasta and comrade Sousa looked good. Sousa made some excellent dishes. Nasta had her head up today and tried to pick out mates. She is the most consistent player at both ends of the ice - digging back to accentuate the marking, and is a gifted sniper. Nasta was marvelous and the UMB woman of the match.
***
Date: Sat, 19 Jan 2008
Subject: UMass Boston Women 4 - New England College 2
The University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons gained victory, 4-2, over the New England College Pilgrims, at the Clark, on Saturday afternoon. It was a significant league win for the Beacons that happened because of their superior skating.
It was mostly a UMB opening period. They took the play to NEC, who were almost lackadaisical. UMass Boston scored first, on a power play, when first-year Rachel Sousa hit home a rebound, when she was left all alone in front of net. The Pilgrims tied the match at one each, when blue liner Brianna Gerrior freely floated across the Beacon's net and went 5-hole. Fresher Hannah Davis restored the UMB lead when she ripped her try high, during a 5 on 3 power play, from the right circle. Davis and sophy Katelyn Pohlman were clearly the best defensive pairing for UMass. They use their movement to cleverly regain the puck and are strong when they create breakouts. That was welcome considering the terror inspired by NEC senior Elizabeth Ross on the fore-check.
New England pushed Mass Boston back at the start of the second with a higher energy game. They were aided by the Beaconettas, who took their regular ration of penalties. Perfidi! The Pilgrims knotted the contest at two, when third-year Sarah Graham drove the biscuit into the netting, on a power play. That was made possible by a Beacon blue liner overdoing it and giving NEC a clear path to goal. After that UMB gradually started coming back. If scoring threat Maria Nasta could add passing to her shooting and back-checking skills, UMass would be in better shape.
The Beacons looked hungry as the finale commenced. About five minutes in, sophomore Nasta bagged a second chance to make it 3-2 UMB. There had been a fair amount of pressure leading up to that tally on the New England net. Periodically, NEC also went close - mostly individual stuff. After one of those spells, Lauren Duran threw one in from the popcorn stand for a 4-2 UMass Boston advantage - killer goal. UMB closed it out with determined movement.
New England College were always chasing the match. Their skating needs a major upgrade. The Pilgrims did not help their own cause by repeated trips to the box. Ross was a wonderful player for NEC. She needs a longer stick, however, the diminutive forward can motor. When on the hunt, Ross is impressively adept.
***
Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2008
Subject: MIT Women 1 - St. Anselm 7
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers were defeated Friday evening 1-7 by the Hawks of Saint Anselm College. It was a wonderful match. The teams played hard. In the end, the Hawks' talent pool decided the matter.
MIT played well in the first. Their board marking broke up moves and they were often ok in front of their own keeper. Junior Engineer Stephanie Brenman used her smarts to steal the puck several times. St. Anselm scored on two side of the net plays by second-year Kerri Aylward and third-year Kathleen Twomey. However, the best goal was when fresher Chelsea Fillingim laid on the feed parfait to wide-open Arianna Rigano, who drilled it for a 0-3 advantage.
Periodically the Hawks pressed their skate and pass game in period two. When they did, it was awesome. MIT scored a power play goal when Brenman and senior Rachel Longley worked a slick give and go up the gut. Brenman ended up with the biscuit and hammered it home. Lovely goal! Wait a tick - and a goal of the year candidate. The Hawks followed up with two rather scruffy tallies to make it 1-5.
The third was interesting. It had a relentless edge to it. Both sides produced lots of skating and digging for pucks. St. Anselm claimed two additional scores from Twomey and sophy Kasey Cedorchuk, to make the final 1-7. The Engineers went close, but failed to find the twine.
The Hawks are great skaters and passers. Tonight, their movement off the puck was about a three count off. That prevented plays from proper development. Still, when St. Anselm was cranking it in the second and third, it was hockey at its higher levels. Their team speed looked good. Junior Kelsey Johnson personally made sure of that fact, as she tore all over the Johnson Rink surface. Her quickness and turns were amazing stuff. On the blue line, classmate Maggie Dwyer launched many lovely longball passes. Normally, that would have claimed deadly dividends. Dwyer is a cunning player. The woman of the match was speedster Bianca DeSantis. It's fly time when the third-year is on the ice. For a spell in the third, DeSantis and Johnson were paired - that gave the zebra of the lines fits, as those two twisted onsides at full pace. DeSantis put on quite the show, reminding everyone how ferociously the Hawks can swoop.
MIT turned in a cool performance. It was a difficult matchup, however, the Engineers went for it and played with passion and poise. Senior Christina Ottomeyer had a strong outing on defense. Her back-checking was top shelf. Fellow blue liner Monique Squiers made a series of critical breakups. There are times, when the first-year needs to clean up her act and live up to her potential. Even so, Squiers kept things tidy at the back. The defender of the match was Brenman. Her tight marking and intelligent reads led to busted opponent attacks and good breakout passes. Brenman anchored her team and had a super contest.
***
Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2008
Subject: UMass Boston Women 0 - Trinity 1
Late Sunday afternoon, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons lost the Codfish Bowl Championship title to the Trinity College Bantams. What should have been a great matchup at the Clark, of two fine teams, was instead an excessively tedious 0-1 contest.
It was a tight opening period. Both sides were in prevent. The tension made for slow skating and subpar passing. Players were mostly into solo moves, even if they had a wide-open teammate. The thrill of the first was a lovely ooo-la-la cut and break by Trinity first-year Kim Weiss, followed by a remarkable save from UMB junior goalie Jessica Sams. Wow!
The suspense continued in the second. The Beacons took their usual foolish penalties. The Bantams earned the lead when junior Kelley McCarthy knocked home the third rebound, while the Mass Boston defense was at sixes and sevens. Near the end of the segment, Trinity started to move the puck better.
There was no scoring in the final frame. The Bantams were being less selfish and therefore had more chances, however, UMB's Sams easily made the key saves. Beaconetta Katelyn Pohlman made a series of insightful breakout passes, while under heavy weather.
Trinity did not play well today. Their movement, for the most part, wasn't there, resulting in a disjointed effort. Perhaps the pressure of the tourney final was too much? Sophy tender of the twine Isabel Iwachiw looked sharp in net, never giving away a half chance. Senior defender Alexandra Schmidt dug well in her own end and produced one of the top setup passes of the afternoon, from her point position. Always with a nose for the net, Weiss narrowly missed several attempts. Her moves were lovely. McCarthy, besides notching the championship winning goal did some stunning back-checking today. She is decidedly Codfish MVP quality.
***
Date: Sat, 5 Jan 2008
Subject: Trinity Women 5 - Oswego 1
Saturday at noon, at UMass Boston's Clark Athletic Center, the Trinity College Bantams cruised past the Oswego Lakers 5-1, during the opening match of the Codfish Bowl. The T's puck movement was the decisive factor.
Trinity got the tournament off to a roaring start by converting two quick strikes. Fabulous fresher Kim Weiss nailed a rebound into the net at the far post to take an early lead. Following that up, jazzy junior Michelle Chee's point shot was deflected in, through a maze of players. The Bantams' superior passing and skating looked like it would dominate the contest. However, Oswego cut the lead in half, when third-year Jessica Lister banged in a rebound from close range, during a power play. At that point, things settled down a tad. The Lakers' strong blue liners started giving the T's less room, though with the likes of Weiss darting around, only time would tell.
In the second, Trinity shifted into control mode. They again scored early when sophomore Britney McKenna buried a nice slot setup pass from first-year Emily Weedon, to make it 3-1 Bantams. While Oswego took a number of penalties, in fact, the entire period seemed like one long Trinity power play. Their puck movement was giving the Lakers fits.
The pattern continued in the finale. While the T's did not have their pace, their passing thwarted Oswego. Early on, Chee was left alone in the slot during a power play and drilled her chance high to make it 4-1 Trinity. Later, while the teams were playing 4 on 4, senior Emmy Handy stuffed a loose puck, right in front, to finish the scoring.
Oswego appeared to have been overly influenced by their fellow New Yorkers Friday night at Bright - too much reacting and not enough initiative. The Lakers' skating is ok, but needs a lot more zip to it. Tiffany Duquette, Lister and Natalie Rossi all had spells of nice movement. In goal, Hilary Hitchman was solid, with a good glove and her angles down. She was aided by a tough group of defenders - the highlight reel being first-year Rossi. From her strong safety position, Rossi kept things from getting out of hand with her timely marking.
Trinity, like another NESCAC school, likes to use inversions. The result is you are never quite sure where various players will turn up. It makes for a fun game, as team interaction makes the puck move. The Bantams are smart skaters. They should increase their team speed. In goal, sophy Isabel Iwachiw made some critical saves in the first. She showed a lot of flexibility. Senior Erin Fitzgerald provided great cover on the blue line. She is the go-to player - always their for her mates. Third-year Kelley McCarthy was a frisky two-way player turning up in assorted spots and making the play. Another interesting forward was senior Megan Fallon. She is quick, mobile and tenacious. The inversion layer of the match was Chee. Tight turns and amazing rapidity, she was all over the ice. Whether attacking or defending, Chee is a treat. The woman of the match was Weiss. Her opening period skating was lovely! Weiss is a goalscorer who hangs in the tough slots to finish. Her performance was wonderful. Overall, the T's are looking good.
***
Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2007
Subject: Northeastern Women 0 - New Hampshire 4
Sunday at Matthews, the Northeastern Huskies were impaled by the University of New Hampshire Wildcats. 0-4 accurately describes the play of each side. UNH pretty much walked to victory.
New Hampshire came out and took an early lead, from a face-off, on a rather sloppy play, credited to fresher Jenn Wakefield. The reason for that goal was UNH were playing their game, while the Huskies were into watch, wait and worry. Naturally, the Wildcats dominated, making various plays with relative ease. New Hampshire closed out the first with 2 nearly identical low point shot scores. Junior Maggie Joyce and first-year Julia Marty provided the firepower from the blue line that connected thru vast quantities of open ice.
The second was largely an advanced training session where UNH's more proficient passers laid on lovely feeds for their teammates. The object, one would hope, was a lesson on how to read, move into, or create open space, during a match. For the most part, it was a dismal failure. That also did not help a segment badly in need of skating. Ironically, watching all the missed chances was rather diverting!
The less said about the third period, the better. Appealing fresher Courtney Birchard bounced a quick slot shot off the N's goaltender to conclude the scoring at 0-4. After that - a few rushes, a lovely save from first-year Husky Leah Sulyma, a few penalties, 1 nice longball pass by Wildcat Joyce, and the contest was history.
New Hampshire won the game easily. They could have used it to develop team skills. To some extent they did attempt improvements, however, it lacked energy and commitment, and therefore will be of practically no value later in the season. The top UNH defensive pair was Joyce and fresher Raylen Dziengelewski. They work well as a unit, sorting out matters and making snap decisions. The pair could mark tighter, but they have a tenacious attitude and make lovely, quick breakout passes. Up front, Birchard is interesting. She has a soft stick, slick deceptive skating and a fast release. Birchard does not move well off her mates yet, even so, she could become a very potent force. The best player on the ice, and the UNH woman of the match was sublime junior Sam Faber. She twists and turns and lays on soft served dishes parfait! The key is Faber holds onto the puck - that provides time and space for things to develop in many directions.
***
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2007
Subject: UMass Boston Women 3 - Connecticut College 2
It was misty at Centre Clark, as the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons defeated the Connecticut College Camels 3-2. Both sides showed lots of effort. In the end, UMB was able to find the key goals and hold on.
The teams began tentatively Tuesday evening. UMB had the better of it in the first ten minutes and scored a power play goal, when second-year Maria Nasta slid one home during a scrum in front of net. After that, CC found their skating legs, and with their push and go game made things difficult for Beacon goalie Jessica Sams, who nevertheless reacted well. The treat of the first was watching sophy Camel Stephanie Quinn skate. The winger is a razor!
Connecticut College came out and took control in the second period, and scored off a nice rush when junior Caroline Jeffery connected with a drag and draw. Lovely goal! However, after that, Mass Boston surged forward, as the Camels were undeniably off the boil. Nasta answered CC's score, when she went up the gut and drove the puck stick side, for a 2-1 UMass lead. Nasta continued her heroics, notching her third goal, when she dinged one in off the crossbar. Conn College was guilty of running around in their own end.
For the finale, the stage was set, however, the play was badly cast. CC cut UMB's lead to 3-2 about midway, when first-year Celia Medeiros took a lovely soft pass from sophomore Rachel Lindmark, and finished off the break-in play parfait. After that goal, the Camels poured it on, but the Beacons' Sams hung tough. In the closing minutes, there were bodies flying everywhere, though not exactly a good deal of skill from either squad, as UMB held on and gained victory.
Connecticut College's #1 asset is there skating. They need to move together better. Their passing also needs practice. Some of it is not finding the open space, but there are many problematic skills involved. The Camel defense featured senior Elinor Mason - a smart blue liner who fixed many errors. Second-year Sarah Napoli gunned her skating, positively exploding to the danger spots. Up front, Quinn and Lindmark were easily the quickest skaters on the ice. They both love to motor and have the talent to make tremendously tight turns.
***
Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2007
Subject: Harvard Women 3 - Princeton 2
Late Saturday afternoon was cool, windy and rainy, as the Princeton Tigers gave the contest away, again. The 3-2 final if anything was charity from the divine Nemesis.
The smartly suited Tigers came out playing safety first, stop hockey, in the opening period. It was not what one would hope for. Princeton could have been behind by a couple of scores, however, they were fortunate enough to be up 0-1, due to a power play goal from junior Annie Greenwood. She pulled out front with the puck, into the low circle and drilled her try high stick side.
The middle frame was loosely played. The Tigers let in one 5 on 3 PPG. You couldn't think of blaming junior defender Katherine Dineen, who was superb on the penalty kill, with tight marking and slick movement. Eventually, Princeton regained their tenuous lead, 1-2, when senior attacker Liz Keady netted a power play goal. It came off a face-off deep in the attacking zone and was of a scruffy nature.
The Tigers sat on their lead in the third. Naturally, they proceeded to give up two more 5 on 3 power play goals, to go behind 3-2. Love the strategy! The remainder of the match fizzled away into a long bus ride.
Will they play, or won't they play - that was the question. The answer at Bright Hockey Center was a decided - no thank you. With the amount of talent Princeton has, they could have done a whole lot more. They rarely went for it. The trio of terrific Tigers remains: Dineen, Keady and Novak. Senior center Sonja Novak has this wonderful, wide positioned stride that allows her to create dynamic moves. Keady clicked on warp drive late in the first and continued on the edge of breaking one, most of the afternoon. The woman of the match - "Come inside the show's about to start" - was Dineen. Perceptive, soft hands that let her lay on clever outlet passes for her mates, slick defensive coverage - she is excellent. Add in Dineen's quickness factor and it's - "guaranteed to blow your head apart."
Match reports 2006-2007
Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2007
Subject: MIT Women 2 - RIT 3 OT
Gridded Johnson Rink was the stage, as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers were barely edged by the Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers 2-3 in overtime. According to the statistics, the result is ostentatiously improbable. However, judging on technical merit - reverse the score.
Friday evening's game found MIT extremely well matched against the highly ranked Tigers. It was into the second half of the first, before TIM allowed a tally. RIT was a mix of ill-conceived passing and obstructionist tendencies, both new trends for the team.
And then, it got better. MIT won the second period. With six minutes left, the Timsters produced a scrum in front of the Tiger tender and sophy Stephanie Brenman provided the final poke to make it 1-1. Sluggish RIT could do nothing to change the situation.
In the finale, the Tigers quickly went up 1-2. Yet, after that, the contest remained even. Four minutes were left in the game, when MIT had a series of power plays and drew the match even at two, when senior Amanda Hunter picked a pocket and slipped the puck in. In overtime, both sides were given power plays to win it. TIM went close, but couldn't find the netting. In the last few seconds, the cunning junior, from belle Quebec, pulled off an up and over to give the Tigers the win. Lovely goal!
It would appear the long bus trip from New York state was too much for RIT. Perhaps staying in the west suits almost everyone.
MIT manufactured a memorable ending to the season. The team speed and alertness of the players were super. The Engineers did not give away chances and kept the pressure squarely on their adversary. Up front, Mary Harding and Hunter led the way with able surges and endless zeal. They were supported by Barbara McCarragher and Cristina Stefanescu, who filled lanes and hung tough. The MIT defenders of the match were Catherine Harding and Brenman, plus, Christina Ottomeyer and Sara John. Together, they controlled vast quantities of the contest with their relentless skating. It was a great day for MIT hockey.
***
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007
Subject: Northeastern Women 0 - Connecticut 2
The Northeastern Huskies lost to the Connecticut Huskies Sunday afternoon at Matthews. UConn would net two goals in the second and that was enough. The N's played a fair amount in the Connecticut end, but it always seemed the blue Huskies were destined to win.
While UConn obviously had better team speed, NU spent much of the first in the Connecticut zone. Northeastern did not produce many good chances, even so, they did confirm that super cool sophy goaltender Brittany Wilson is a force to be reckoned with. The highlight of the opener was UConn first-year Amy Hollstein's amazing quickness - oh bella! Still, with team play somewhat disjointed for both sides, 0-0 seemed about right.
At the start of two, UC turned it on. First, stunning senior Natalie Vibert went on a solo rush up the left wing, cut in on net and left her try to slide in at the near post. Lovely goal! Next, second-year Kristen Russell threw one in from the popcorn stand, during a line change. It was 0-2 and the black Huskies looked done, like dinner. All the same, the N's came back with some pressure. However, with Wilson having the angles fully down, it was going to be difficult, provided they even made it past the expert UConn blue liners.
The final period was a drag. Connecticut were content to sit on their lead. Northeastern again had plenty of territorial edge, yet remained clueless on how to string passes together, let alone create lethal plays.
UConn have a highly skilled defensive team. They do so many little things well. Scoring, in general, is not one of those items. Hollstein is fun to watch. Her cuts and movement are a treat. On the blue line, junior Elizabeth Gallinaro is strong and reads situations extremely well. Fresher Cristin Allen's intercepts were crucial. She is an intelligent defender who keeps things tidy at the back. In goal, Wilson is wonderful. Her positioning and timing are outstanding. Wilson seems to have insight into what the other side is about and shuts down many chances easily. The woman of the match was Vibert. Great skating, elegant style and thoughtful defense sums her up. Connecticut's tradition of excellence in their own end continues, and with Vibert it plays out as something very special.
The Huskies hallmark has been five dedicated seniors that held their team together thru turbulent times. Coppney scored a number of memorable goals at key moments and gave her side that extra punch. The most versatile player - attacking center - defender - back-checking forward - was dynamic Desrosiers. When Rochon was on fire, she dusted blue liners and was a lethal weapon. Ballistic Bielawski, in addition to the snow white tan, had a knack for turning defenders at pace, that was lovely. Goodney had remarkable striking skills and was Northeastern's leader parfait.
***
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007
Subject: MIT Women 7 - Plymouth 0
On a bitterly cold Friday evening, it was Matrix Theory III at Johnson Rink, as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers demolished the Plymouth State Panthers. TIM was too fast for the Panthers and secured a 7-0 victory. PSU looked good at times, but couldn't stop the Engineers.
Even though they started as the timid Timmers, MIT forged a 3-0 lead in period one. Their skating and teamwork was well below form. Considering the designs of Plymouth's Alyssa Hovanec and Amanda Kreamer, TIM was fortunate. Nevertheless, the Engineers collected scores from Mary Harding, Rachel Longley and Stephanie Brenman. The first two were long rushes tucked under the Panther goalie. The last a rebound tapped home.
The Timmers came out skating in the middle frame and took the pressure to PSU. There was too much solo activity and very little passing. Still it kept the Panthers busy, as they could produce few counterattacking schemes. Sophy Brenman made it 4-0 MIT, with a blast from the blue line. Sara John increased the goal total when her shot eluded the Plymouth keeper. Cristina Stefanescu concluded the tallies, when her circle try deflected in off a Panther defender.
In the third, both teams looked tired. TIM played "what's my line?" and PSU showed some vexation. M.Harding snatched her second goal of the night with a wraparound to complete the scoreline at 7-0.
Plymouth State need to work on their skating. They do not move well as a team. Fresher attacker Hovanec is very speedy. When she's pouring it on, she is difficult to stay with. Second-year blue liner Kreamer is PSU's main event. Her marking is thorough and she moves the puck extremely well.
MIT could have used this match better. They had the team speed advantage, so it would have been great to develop their passing. Instead, they stayed with the selfish method. 1 out of 10 times, the player off the puck saw a feed. Not good. The defensive pairings of Raffaela Wakeman and Catherine Harding, along with Christina Ottomeyer and Brenman looked good. They moved well, though not always in a coordinated manner. First-year forward Kelcie Abraham did lay on some nice dishes. Sophomore Juliana Rotter also kept her head up. The woman of the match was effervescent senior Amanda Hunter. It was one of those nights when her jets were on high throttle, and the result made for dangerous conditions. Like her mates, she should look more for the best play, however, Hunter's off the puck movement was excellent.
***
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007
Subject: UMass Boston Women 0 - Middlebury 5
At the Clark, on a chilly Wednesday evening, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons were out executed by the Panthers of Middlebury 0-5. Middlebury turned on the style and dominated the match. UMB were left in their wake.
After an initial surge from the Bobinhoes, Midd took charge of the game. The Panthers smooth skating and delicious patterns were lovely to watch. Middlebury opened the scoring when senior Shannon Sylvester finished off a series of looping leads provided by Shannon Tarrant and Abby Kurtz-Phelan. It was hockey at an artistic level and Midd was starting to hum.
It's the second period, must be time for the vertical game. Rotating thru a number of phase shifts, MC turned the volume down a tad, however, laid on the sweetest passes. Sophy Erika Nakamura got the final touch, after she, Randi Dumont and Lacey Farrell had generated waves of strikes on the Mass Boston net. The pounding pressure was veiled in a silky package, still, second-year Annmarie Cellino made it 0-3, with assists to Kurtz-Phelan and Tarrant, to demonstrate how deadly it really was.
The finale was relaxed. Middlebury was in dance mode, as they slipped around, thru and by the Beacons. UMB was guilty of watching, but who could blame them. Cellino burst up the gut to add another goal for Les Bleus. Fresher Ashley Bairos knocked in a rebound of Molly Vitt's shot to conclude the scoring at 0-5 Midd. The contest was a master class on how hockey can be played.
Middlebury's skating is all adverbs. They move brilliantly as a team. MC loves to double dip, which they run across various axes. What's so stunning is how well they work together to solve situations on the ice. Tarrant is a skillful defender with lovely touch. Her ability to read the game and make excellent dishes is terrific. Senior Emily McNamara cuts here and there and makes tough problems look simple. First-year Marjie Billings is gutsy. She steps up to fill any problematic area and makes the play. Junior Margaret MacDonald is a wonderful skater. She needs to rope it in at times, but is a real spark for her side. Kurtz-Phelan is so strong, and yet with the cunning to make these devious little attacks. Nakamura is resilient. She'll try anything and produce the most interesting results. Like most fine vintages, Sylvester is a pleasure to sip. Her commanding range of superb talents is a delight. Need a goal, look for Sylvester. And then, there's Cellino. Quick, tenacious, a lovely array of tricks and deceptions - need another goal? The woman of the match was fresher Heather McCormack. So fast, daring and the edge parfait for her mates. McCormack skated a super match. Overall, these guys are good.
UMass Boston were up against it. A counterattacking team has problems when an opponent uses that for its own diabolical gains. In goal, sophomore Jessica Sams was hung out to dry by her teammates. She made a number of huge saves, displaying attractive reflexes. First-year Jennifer Senecal was sharp. Her bold blue line tactics and lovely skating were marvelous. Senecal is developing into a quality defender.
***
Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007
Subject: MIT Women 1 - Amherst 7
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers were thrashed by the Amherst Jeffs, Monday evening behind the grille at Johnson. The team formerly know as the Techers, could not get it together against their hard skating rival. The Jeffs, using a combination of nice passing and resolute attacks, were 1-7 victors.
The Lord Jeffs came out and established command in the first. They ran a perimeter passing drill that hemmed MIT tightly in their own zone. TIM had problems finding breakout lanes, however, they did look strong on defense. Amherst scored 3 goals: sophy Anna MacLean went high from the far circle; first-year Molly Malloy banked in a deflection at the far post and senior Alena Harrison took a lovely point feed from fresher Alyssa Chwick and sent the puck along the ice. A tidy presentation.
At the start of the second, the Timmers went for it, and created some pressure of their own. The Jeffs answer: pick up the pace. With the increased speed, Amherst looked sharper. They still skated into coverage, but it became interesting for MIT to respond in time. The Jeffs connected on 3 more scores: senior defender Rachel Simon's zigzag course in from her point, was easily the most entertaining; while first-year Michelle McGann and junior Elizabeth Ditmore tucked in a pair at the back post.
The teams played relatively even as the final period commenced. Neither produced great setups, still, both looked good. Soon enough, Amherst found their stride and started to press. Nevertheless, past midway, MIT scored a power play goal to make it 1-6, when sophomore Sara John got the final tap at the near post. The Jeffs completed the scoring when Malloy took a point feed from classmate Kirsten Dier and knocked the puck in at the backdoor.
Amherst run a very exacting attack. They transition well from their own end. Their spatial designs prevent them from making the kinds of plays their passing suggests they are capable of. However, the Jeffs skate well as a team. Up front, McGann's dishes and desire are marvelous. Her vision opens things up for her mates. Junior Megan Quinn is efficient. Her touches and movement are top shelf. Seniors Tes Siarnacki and Simon were the Amherst defenders of the match. Siarnacki is fearless. She is a terror on the ice with her darting style. Simon plays with moxie. Her skating and ability to make plays happen are lovely.
MIT hung back too much. They are playing with more poise, but could not find their form against a talented foe. In goal, first-year Maria Prus was sharp. She is one of the few current tenders who uses a standup style and still gets down to cover low shots effectively. At times, Cristina Stefanescu showcased some splendid speed. The MIT defenders of the match were junior Raffaela Wakeman and second-year Catherine Harding. Wakeman made a number of dexterous breakups that saved the day. Harding's marking and tough dig backs stopped multiple incoming strikes.
***
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2006
Subject: UMass Boston Women 0 - Manhattanville 5
Saturday at noon, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons hosted the Manhattanville Valiants. It was Val deja vu, as the 0-5 score and style of contest were eerily like last year's meeting. Today at the Clark, UMB put up surprisingly scant resistance.
Mville came out rapidly and established control of the game with their superior team speed and relatively astute passing. Manhattanville scored their first, when Jessica Zimmerman connected on the short side, after going in on a two on one break. It was one of those lightning strikes that is a trademark of the Vals. The Bobinhoes were wise to have sophy Jessica Sams in goal and all-action fresher Katelyn Pohlman on the blue line, or, things could have gotten out of hand early. Mville made it 0-2 when sophomore Michelle Witz's shot was deflected in by a UMass Boston defender.
Both sides drifted off into nap mode for the second, and they weren't even sitting under the cozy French fry warmers. Little happened. Manhattanville collected two more goals from Alex Blackwell and Witz at the end of the period, when the UMB goaltender proved strangely vulnerable to shots along the ice.
The third had a few flourishes, however was mostly lethargic. There were a few ugly moments, from both teams. Just past halfway, first-year Val Monique Rafferty tucked the puck home, at the backdoor, to make it 0-5. Linemates Blackwell and junior Amanda Nonis laid on the lovely setups.
Manhattanville is a puzzle. Clearly, they can play when they choose to. Still, these half-baked performances do not inspire confidence. Junior Cory Alcorn is a talent. Her passing is excellent. Blackwell has guts. She makes it easier for her mates with her strong presence. Rafferty bears watching. She made some interesting twists and turns and has a rifle shot. In goal, sophy Karine Turmel is wonderful. Quick reactions are her forte. Third-year Dani Poupart makes her side go, from the blue line. Puck movement is what the Vals are all about, and Poupart with her stunning longballs, facilitates a different level of attack.
***
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006
Subject: UMass Boston Women 3 - Colby 3 OT
With the Clark slightly shrouded in mist, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons and the Colby Mules played to a three all draw. It was a proper result considering that both teams did well, in a largely entertaining Wednesday night contest.
Colby came out strong in the first and pressed UMB back. Their passing was interesting. The Bobinhoes soon cranked up their counterattacks, and the game was on. UMass scored when second-year Maria Guanci jammed one in off a scrum in the crease. The Mules struck back when sophy Amanda Comeau tipped the puck home after a nice series of passes between classmates Laura Anning and Rebecca Julian. Play became even, until the end of the period, when Colby sophy Laura Clemson's brilliant diagonal pass found sensational sophomore Colette Finley cruising in front and Finley flipped it into roofland. Ooo-la-la! Early nominee for goal of the year.
The second had an inauspiciously slow start, and then, senior Beacon Andrea Ciarletta was setup in the slot by Sarah Cronin, and Ciarletta blasted it high, to tie the score at two. Colby looked down and UMass Boston capitalized during a power play when fresher Jennifer Senecal's point shot found nothing but net, and a 3-2 lead. It looked like the Bobinhoes could have put this one away, until first-year White Mule Kaitlyn Conway went on a lovely solo rush and slipped the puck low into the goal, to knot the match.
There was no more scoring in the final frame, or the overtime. Both teams were a tad on the morose side, as they had clearly shot their wad. UMB was fortunate in their choice of penalty kill defensive pairing Deguire and Wigmore, otherwise, Colby probably would have found victory.
Colby have a direct style of play. Somewhat oblique at times, however, they have a deadly look and use the puck exceptionally well. A little more team speed and better blue line movement, and the Mules could go places. Fresher Dana Yerigan floats over the ice during her defensive duties. She has nice range. Anning loves to gun it. She is a power forward with a nose for the biscuit. Comeau has this tendency to turn up at the oddest times to create menacing chances. The line of Finley, Clemson and classmate Nicole Crocker is special. They work the puck so well and can motor. Clemson lays on sweet feeds and adores digging. The Colby woman of the match was Finley. Her skating is lovely. She presents a great target for her mates to dish off to, and is good at hitting others with inspired touches. Finley is a razor.
The trivializing of sport with loud pop music at every stoppage of play was unfortunately in fashion at UMass Boston.
***
Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2006
Subject: MIT Women 4 - Castleton 2
Friday night, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers overcame the Castleton State College Spartans. The 4-2 victory suited MIT's dominance of play. CSC came close to turning the tables on the Engineers, but tonight lost the vigorous battle.
Even with TIM kicking up a wake on the ice, the zealous new Johnson Rink safety net means that MIT and their guests will need to learn how to be charming thru the grille.
The TIM's came out strong and pressed Castleton back. In fact, much of the first and second were played in the Spartan ends. Nevertheless, for all the Engineers' possession, their shot selection, let alone their passing, was not the best. The Spartans few chances looked more potent, and CSC gained the lead when first-years Maryanne Diehm and Colleen Senecal pulled off a nice 2 on 1 break, that Diehm finished high. MIT pressed forward and during a 5 on 3 power play, senior Amanda Hunter drilled her try top corner, from the circle, to tie it at one.
The second stanza continued the one-way traffic trend for TIM. They started to string together a few plays and looked better, but still, Castleton's few break were more telling. MIT established a 2-1 advantage when superior sophy Stephanie Brenman hammered the puck into the back of the net, during a power play. The Engineered pressure was paying off.
MIT went prevent in the concluding period, so naturally CSC tied it up, when sneaky second-year Katelyn Greene banged one home. The Spartans were in the game and TIM looked disturbed. And then, during yet another power play, MIT's senior Mary Harding managed to trickle the puck thru the goalie, to regain a 3-2 superiority. Castleton tried to push it, however, junior Cristina Stefanescu stole the puck, deep in the Spartan end, and sliced the puck into the empty net, to give the Engineers the two goal win.
Castleton did well to keep their adversary in check for most of the match. They need to work on their skating. As a team, they work their loose box skillfully and allowed MIT little inside room. The blue liners were led by stalwart fresher Brianna Behmke. Her no nonsense approach was a tower of strength for her mates. Up front, Greene was a pest. The quickest Spartan, her fore-checking was strong and created turnovers.
MIT played tough. They moved well and with an urgency that got them over the dodgy parts. Their passing and movement off the puck was dismal - shades of Huntington Ave? They need to engineer more creative chances. Part of it is confidence, but considering how well they are playing, it is time to step up and do it. The second unit of Raffaela Wakeman, Christina Ottomeyer, Stefanescu, Barbara McCarragher and Rachel Longley bordered on being a revelation. They skated well together, were unfailing in their defensive assignments and took it to their foe. It was fitting that they nailed down the triumph. The surprise packet was a cameo from fresher Kelcie Abraham, who showed some nice jets. Hunter's speed made her side go. She had a glitchy game, but hung with it and was the team's heart. The MIT woman of the match was Brenman. She remains a strong defender who controls her zone. Considering the degree of her reach, she should be able to use that skill more effectively. Brenman's cannon slap shot is a weapon, though a clever dish or surprise wrister might prove more fatal. Still, watch her skate and you will see why she can change a contest.
***
Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006
Subject: UMass Boston Women 2 - St. Anselm 3
Friday evening, at Clark Athletic Centre, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons were dispatched by the Hawks of Saint Anselm College. UMB skated hard, but couldn't match the lovely patterns of their foe. SAC are a poised side and deserved their 2-3 victory.
The Bobinhoes were thrown back at the start of the match by the Hawks' furious fore-checking. With their intense skating and vision St. Anselm dominated play. However, after a while, UMass Boston found their edges and began creating pressure of their own. Playing up front, wily senior Melissa Wigmore gave the Beacons a 1-0 advantage, when her second effort allowed her to bank the puck into the netting, following a nice break up the gut. At that point, the Hawks gradually turned up the volume and pinned UMB back in their zone. In the final seconds, during a St. Anselm power play, super sophy Kathleen Twomey knotted the score when she finished off an end-to-end move. Maggie Dwyer and Brittany Kretzman setup the play with some passing parfait. Considering the lovely partnership between the three, it was fitting that they evened things up.
At the start of the second, sophomore Dwyer made the outlet pass, classmate Kelsey Johnson carried the puck and found Kretzman who slipped it home. Ooo-la-la! That power play tally was a near cousin of the Hawks' first goal and made it 1-2. The Beacons were taking too many penalties. They were skating well, but giving chances away. St. Anselm periodically pushed it, while UMB went close, during a wonderful period of hockey.
Both sides wanted it, during the thrilling third time frame. Closing on the halfway mark, UMass tied the contest at 2, when senior Melissa Belmonte grabbed a loose puck and drilled it. It was anyone's game to win. Both teams had chances, but the Hawks were looking dangerously organized. St. Anselm won it during a hectic series of tight passes right in front of net. Johnson had the final touch, after Twomey and senior Shelly Swan had worked in close. UMB tried to gain a draw, but the Hawks' fore-checking was too good.
St. Anselm are an intelligent squad that use their skilled control game to full advantage. They don't panic. They are seldom hurried. They execute their system with elan. The Hawks are so strong on the puck. Their power play is delightful. SAC give their adversary little and are themselves lethal. On defense, fresher Kasey Cedorchuk is slick. Her classic anticipation and timely moves make for lovely blue line play. What can't Dwyer do? She is so quick. Her soft outlet passes are parfait. The defender of the match was Kretzman. Calm and collected, she is a tour de force. Her surges forward are sublime. Kretzman is what hockey is all about. Sophy Bianca DeSantis and senior Kendall Junta are great diggers and a terrific attacking duo. They play with pace and tenacity. Their puck interchange is super. Johnson guns it. She burns the ice and always appears in unpredictable positions. The woman of the match was Twomey, a power forward with blazing speed. She's so good at getting the biscuit back, but her transitions are even better and her finishing is fantastic. Twomey is the prototype St. Anselm player: smart, fast, strong and determined.
UMass Boston has improved their team speed, but do not remember to keep their feet moving, and thereby waste opportunities. The penalties hurt. In net, former Northeastern Husky Jessica Sams looked good keeping her side in the contest. Junior Katherine Wall did the scut work for the Beacons. Her marking, filling lanes and skating made her team go. Wigmore had a strong outing. She leads her mates up the middle and produced interesting ideas. Belmonte was way fab. She was moving and giving her squad an edge that took them close to victory. UMB played a lovely match against an accomplished rival.
***
Date: Sat, 21 Oct 2006
Subject: Northeastern Women 1 - Providence 5
Saturday afternoon the Northeastern Huskies lost badly to the Providence College Friars. The Matthews' affair found PC playing a lovely first period and winning easily 1-5. NU's system remains horrendous.
After a sloppy few minutes from both teams, Providence turned it on with some nice passing and a simple, yet devastating attack. Northeastern continued to luxe out in the sin bin. The Friars scored their first power play goal when the NU defense backed in and sophy Katy Beach drilled one stick side. That was quickly followed by second-year Mari Pehkonen stuffing in a PPG rebound at the far post, after Sonny Watrous's original shot, to make it 0-2 PC. Sophomore defender Erin Normore finished off a lovely feed from fresher Pamela McDevitt, at the near post, for the next Friar tally. The final power play goal of the period came from senior Kristin Gigliotti, when her point shot fluttered high into the net. The Huskies appeared to be done like dinner.
In the second, Providence slipped into prevent - perchance for practice? - which naturally evolved into rotation. Friar defenders Normore and Colleen Martin along with forwards Sarah Feldman and Beach worked their phase shifting dynamically. The Huskies played frustrated. PC collected another power play effort when Pehkonen tipped in, after some nice team puck movement.
The final installment stated clearly: we each have games tomorrow. Neither contestant looked good. Northeastern finally scored their lone goal when frisky fresher Chelsey Jones slotted home, after taking the telling feed from senior captain Amy Goodney. The Huskies and Friars exchanged efforts, however, none were calculating.
Providence effectively combine fair quickness, skilled passing and heads up looking for each other, to form a piercing assault. Their defense was solid and was led by super sharp senior captain goaltender Jana Bugden. She stopped several NU breakaways. When Bugden plays as calm and cool as she did today, PC is tough. Blue liner Normore was looking good. She stayed with her mark and transitioned onto the attack extremely well. Martin is a cagey defender. She reads the situations and reacts rapidly. Fellow first-year McDevitt is a surging striker who creates dangerous chances. Feldman is intelligent. She uses her wheels to produce turnovers and then create space for her mates. Feldman's dishes were parfait. The Friar woman of the match was Beach. She was everywhere. Up front, her determination set the tone. On the blue line Beach was equally talented at disabling opponent incursions.
The trivializing of sport with loud pop music at every stoppage of play was unfortunately in fashion at Northeastern.
Match reports 2005-2006
Date: Sun, 5 Mar 2006
Subject: New Hampshire Women 6 - Boston College 0
Back at Matthews on Sunday, the New Hampshire Wildcats roasted the Boston College Eagles 6-0, in the Hockey East final. UNH was too quick for the stagnate BC side. The Wildcats ran away with the match.
The typhlotic nature of Hockey East continued - the trivializing of sport with loud pop music at every stoppage of play was unfortunately in fashion at Northeastern.
After a nerve filled opening few minutes, New Hampshire kicked it up a notch and established dominance. The Wildcats' team speed was vastly superior and their passing started to catch up. UNH's Sam Faber made it 1-0, during a power play, after fellow fresher Kacey Bellamy had taken the puck to the near circle, before laying off the feed parfait at the far post. Lovely goal! A short time later, Bellamy was at it again. On another power play, Bellamy again set up in the near circle and this time picked out second-year Sadie Wright-Ward, with a resplendent cutback pass, that was driven into the back of the net. Lovely goal! The killer score, to make it 3-0 UNH, came after Wright-Ward and Faber had worked a delightful break, that was finished by sophomore Jennifer Hitchcock, when she collected a big rebound and slammed it home. The lone New Hampshire cloud was some terribly sloppy plays around their own crease.
In the second, the Wildcats coasted. The comic ref attempted to make a game of it, however, BC did not gratefully accept his gifts. Eventually, UNH gathered two more tallies to make it 5-0. First, junior Shannon Clement went on a solo effort around the Boston College defense and nicked the puck past the netminder. Then, Hitchcock swatted in the next try after Bellamy had dumped a chance in front of net.
For the finale, New Hampshire kept up just enough push to keep the Eagles in their place. The interesting parts of the match were unquestionably over. Fab Faber hit home a rebound for the final goal, from a face-off deep in BC territory, after a particularly vicious hit to the head by a Boston College defender.
It was so refreshing to see the skate and pass game being used, with aplomb, in Division I.
New Hampshire won the Hockey East Championship with a touch of style. They moved well and used each other effectively. If anything, it looked like UNH could have turn up the volume easily. Faber was super. She made some sensational setups, though at times, they were a tad flat. Faber's skill to reclaim and hold onto the puck was a major reason UNH won. She is a lovely striker. The woman of the match was blue liner Bellamy. She makes space for her mates out of zilch. During defensive transitions, Bellamy is able to reset the time continuum and allow her team to go forward.
***
Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2006
Subject: MIT Women 1 - Manhattanville 11
Friday evening the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers lost 1-11 to the Manhattanville College Valiants. Oddly enough, MIT underscored all of the Valiants' inadequacies. It was a match where Manhattanville went thru the motions while the Techers played some strong hockey.
The first was lethargic. Ville was nondescript. MIT did rather well, breaking up plays and moving forward. The Valiants collected three tallies, the best from Jamie Longo, when she took a pass, during a power play, from Michelle Witz at the side door and drove it home. 0-3 did not reflect how well Techer fresher Stephanie Brenman and sophy Christina Ottomeyer were playing on their blue line.
The same pattern continued in the middle frame. Manhattanville scored another 4 goals - all individual stuff - none exactly memorable. MIT's defense, with the exception of a few glaring lapses, skated well. In the last second of play, Engineer Catherine Harding made it 1-7, when she stuffed a lovely setup from junior Amanda Hunter. Hunter had hit her jets and found the Ville blue liners wanting.
Not much changed in the third period, unfortunately. The Valiants gathered another four scores. The Techers started to tire. 1-11 mirrored the standings, if not the esprit.
Manhattanville left a lot to be desired. There were so many ways they could have made the game interesting, and yet, they did none of them. For such an adept side, it was a total waste.
MIT played very good. While their team attributes are not where they should be, they were moving. The Techer defense acquitted themselves exceedingly well. Sophomore Raffaela Wakeman is gradually regaining her form on the blue line. Classmate Ottomeyer was tough. She made numerous interceptions and blocked the passing lanes. The woman of the match was Brenman. The lanky first-year was a stud. She dominated her zone. Brenman's skating was splendid. Overall, an enormous effort for the Engineers.
***
Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2006
Subject: UMass Boston Women 0 - Manhattanville 5
At Clark Athletic Centre, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons hosted the Valiants of Manhattanville College, on Saturday afternoon. Watching Mville reminds one of the finesse of the former Central Red Army teams, juiced up with speed. UMB couldn't hang with all that power and skill, and lost 0-5.
It was a wild opening period. The Vals came out attacking - weaving their magical channels and creating multiple points of danger. The Beacons were hard pressed. They managed a few nice counters, but overall were slapped back by the waves of Manhattanville strikers. Approximately two-thirds thru the first, the Valiants scored when Jessica Zimmerman slipped home a rebound to make it 0-1. Zimmerman and her linemates Jessica Temesy and Jami Grasby had been closing in on the UMB net from all sides. Mville continued their fury, and only the expert twine tending of UMass Boston's Amanda Boucher prevented things from getting out of hand. It was a wonderful twenty minutes of hockey.
The second was slow. Manhattanville were off their game. UMB came out with dump and chase and largely controlled the segment. Val sophy goalie Liane Ortis and Boucher made some splendid reflex saves. Mville blue liners Ashley Trimble and Dani Poupart took turns making incredible plays. Meanwhile, forwards Katie Reardon and Katherine Wall led the way for the Beacons.
At the start of the finale, senior Temesy drilled her try from the outside circle to the high far post, to make it 0-2 Manhattanville, during a power play. The goal essentially ended the contest. Play had been somewhat chippy and in the third, that pattern continued. The Beacons looked toasted and while the Vals didn't have the blistering pace of the first, they quietly collected three more scores. First, sophy Jamie Longo hammered her chance, after UMass had turned the puck over. A short time later, fresher Alex Blackwell completed a slick break-in play, when she took the feed parfait from fellow first-year Danielle Nagymarosi, and buried it. Lovely goal! Last, Temesy threw in a quick flick from the outside circle, having received the puck from Poupart after a face-off. Mville were full value for their result.
Manhattanville is an excellently coached team. They can skate like the wind. Their movement (their feet are always moving) with or without the puck is superior. The Valiants do all the little things well. They look and work for each other. What makes Mville special, is they feel the game. They sense the moments and make them happen. In goal, Ortis was sharp. She does not give much net to shoot at. Senior Trimble is a marvelous defender who loves to sneak in from the point. Her marking is impressive. Another solid blue liner is junior Darcie Jarvis. She is always their for her partner. The line of Nagymarosi, Cory Alcorn and Blackwell is fast! Nagymarosi and Blackwell are always looking for a breakaway and with their quickness, it happens. Together, they are a classic Val line, skating and passing as one. The line of the match was Temesy, Zimmerman and Grasby. Wow - what can't these guys do? They make killer plays, at speed, and with a certain panache that is thrilling to see. The woman of the match was Poupart. Her swirling style is sumptuous. Perhaps, like a few of her mates, she could use a longer stick, nevertheless, Poupart tries defensive moves few could conceive and pulls them off in spectacular fashion. She also makes penetrating passes that make her side move even faster. Poupart is a lovely defender.
UMass Boston were totally exposed by their rival. They didn't have the pace to keep up. Frustration was the keyword. That mood certainly was felt by top sniper Andrea Ciarletta, as she had trouble finding her zone. Sophy Katherine Wall did have some real good spells of back and fore-checking with her up tempo skating. Junior Reardon did well. She did everything to turn things around for her side. On defense, sophomore Audrey Deguire provided tough cover and held her mates together. The UMB woman of the match was Boucher. She gave Mville a time of it, with her remarkable reaction saves. Facing that many methods of scoring, Boucher did extremely well to keep the Beacons in it.
***
Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2006
Subject: MIT Women 3 - St. Michael's 5
On an obscenely warm January afternoon, at Johnson, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineers lost a close one, 3-5, to the Saint Michael's College Purple Knights. The teams played at an exceptionally lively pace. Both squads put on tons of pressure, but in the end, St. Mike's claimed the key goals and thus victory.
While neither side played well together - passing appeared to be a lost art form - both contenders came out with spells of attacking during Saturday's first period. Either could have gained the early lead. In fact, in the last minute of play, STM scored when fresher Kelly Adams picked up a loose puck in front of net and buried it. The situation occurred because of some rather lax Techer defending. Seconds later, the Knights took the puck up the gut and after multiple rebounds, jazzy junior Melissa Gagne got the final poke, to make it 0-2.
MIT came out on fire for the middle phase. They pushed the issue, however, St. Mike's responded with a long break by sophy Leslie Pomponi. Her centering pass found first-year Shannon Murphy right in front of goal, and Murphy tipped it in. That did not deter the Techers, as they redoubled their efforts and pinned the Knights in their own end. Eventually, during a 5 on 3 power play, MIT made it 1-3, when fresher Stephanie Brenman's point shot, after a face-off, found nothing but net. The Engineers continued their onslaught, but STM held firm and scored another tally, when sophomore Gabrielle Bourgeois blew past the MIT defense and sent her try low near post. It was a great period for the Techers despite the scoreline. St. Michael's showed their worth by not getting frazzled and producing the telling goals.
The host side kept hammering their guests in the third. STM for the most part deflected the pressure. Nevertheless, MIT's Brenman made it 2-4 when her rising slot shot found the mark. With time dwindling, junior Amanda Hunter cut in a rebound off a point shot from Brenman, to make things even closer. There were four minutes left and the outcome was not apparent. Minutes late, the Knights' Murphy converted a rebound to decide the match. The play was made by first-year defender Molly Dever, who settled things at the point, walked in a tad and launched her try on net, to create the lovely chance.
St. Michael's relies too much on individuals to make up for their lack of team speed. They have the talent to be better. STM tends to stand around too much. Still, they responded extremely well under fire. It's not easy to soak up all that pressure and find the drive to attack. The Purple Knights did just that and finished the job. Senior Michelle Miaskiewicz was always pushing it for her team. She made her line go. Pomponi made a number of nice setup passes. Gagne can make some marvelous moves that let her walk thru defenses. Fresher Jess Tourville was super. Her breakaways redefined the direction of the game. Tourville plays tough and handled many difficult situations. Dever is a cool customer. She held her blue line together. The STM woman of the match was Murphy. She does so many little things well. There is a feeling when Murphy is on the ice, that the Knights always have a chance of scoring.
MIT's skating is improving. If it was not for their pathetic off the puck movement and passing, they might have been able to pull this one out. Of course, it did not help matters that the blue liners collectively were not on form. It was a huge effort by the team and the amount of attacking was great. You know the Techers are fully stuck in, when senior Lauren Nowierski is going down to block shots! Fellow senior Becky Romatoski played a strong standup game on defense. Sophy Christina Ottomeyer was the other blue liner who provided excellent coverage. Ottomeyer is starting to move and it makes her other talents work. Classmate Cristina Stefanescu demonstrated lots of attitude early in the contest. That seemed to be another result of the overall enhanced team speed. The MIT woman of the match was Hunter. Like all of her mates, she needs to get her head up. And yet, it was Hunter's rapidity that made things happen.
***
Date: Sat, 10 Dec 2005
Subject: Harvard Women 0 - New Hampshire 3
The University of New Hampshire Wildcats ran away with a 0-3 victory at Bright, on Saturday afternoon. UNH came out hot and fast and made it a no contest. The main event proved to be the splendid skating of the Wildcats.
Even though New Hampshire were fully devoted to the exposed wrist look, they dominated the opening segment. At times, it looked like a pinball game in front of their opponent's net. We were treated to a UNH skating clinic that featured the slick motions of junior Nicole Hekle and the escapist tendencies of fresher Sam Faber. Add to that the divine touches of delicious first-year Kacey Bellamy and Faber, and it appeared a minor miracle that it was only 0-1 Wildcats. That goal came in the dying seconds when second-year Leah Craig drove the puck high, on a power play.
At the start of two, UNH picked up the tempo. It demonstrated their number one strength - team speed. New Hampshire was in the driver's seat. Midway through, during a spell of slow play, Craig converted a rebound. Shortly after that, Sadie Wright-Ward stuffed a power play setup made possible by Jennifer Hitchcock and Craig, to make it 0-3. The period was not as devastating for the Wildcats, but the goals came.
New Hampshire was not at full steam in the third. They produced a profusion of breaks, but their finishing was not good.
UNH skates great. They pass the puck remarkably well. However, their movement off the puck is elementary, at best. Today they won by pushing it for the vast majority of the match. In goal, junior Melissa Bourdon showed her mettle, particularly when her mates hung her out to dry. She made some super saves. Sophomore Nicole Goguen keeps a tidy blue line. She is quick and makes heads-up plays. Attacker Faber's talent to read situations and sneak into critical areas are amazing. Her dishes were superb. For sheer pace and the chutzpah to use it, we're talking Hekle. She flies. When the Wildcats need a little something, Hekle makes it happen. The woman of the match was Bellamy. Her cutbacks to intercept foes and transition onto attack are lovely. Bellamy's skating and passing are parfait!
***
Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2005
Subject: Northeastern Women 2 - New Hampshire 8
Saturday evening at Matthews, the Northeastern Huskies were beaten 2-8 by the University of New Hampshire Wildcats. UNH was too fast for the Huskies. Though at times, when NU went for it, they looked fairly good.
The beginning of the game built into a one-way flow of traffic - all for New Hampshire. Junior Nicole Hekle opened the scoring when she took a long feed up the gut from Kacey Bellamy, broke past the Husky defense and slid the puck in at the far post. And then, next to nothing happened. Action virtually froze. Northeastern's fresher Erin Reil is a serious blue liner. Her contributions are a cut above. Finally, the Wildcats got some of it back together, when Lindsey Caleo made it 0-2, during a UNH power play.
Towards the start of the middle time frame, Husky first-year Colleen Sanborn burst in on the UNH goal and junior Jessica Coppney was there to continue her lovely scoring streak, by capitalizing on the rebound. That spell of NU pressure was terminated when Hekle made it 1-3, with an outstanding effort, while UNH was shorthanded. Northeastern had caught themselves out on the blue line, the biscuit came to Hekle, who motored into a breakaway and drove in for the easy deke and tuck. UNH continued, when during a 5 on 3 power play, Bellamy was left to her own devices at the top of the circle. She simply slapped the try into the back of the net. The NU defending was atrocious. In the last minute, Bellamy sent the long feed parfait, up the gut to Sadie Wright-Ward, who finished it.
As the finale started, the Huskies cranked it up again and in spite of some strong New Hampshire play, freshers Courtney O'Connor and Cassie Sperry broke the puck up the ice and in on the UNH net. Junior Ashley Bielawski was there at the backdoor to apply the finishing touch, high into the netting, to make it 2-5. Ziggy played hockey, jamming good with Wig and Goodney, and the Huskies on Huntington ... However, the Wildcats soon crushed that rebellion when a penalty was about to be called on NU. Hekle was left unattended at the back post and Lindsay Hansen provided the nice dish to slam home. After that, Leah Craig made it 2-7, when lots of UNH attacks left Northeastern confused. Craig also got the last marker when the Huskies failed to break the puck out and Hekle set up her mate adeptly.
New Hampshire's number one asset is their pace. They move exceptionally well as a team. The Wildcats like to drive to the net and catch their adversary out with a split point of attack. They can make some effective longball passes that produce thrilling breaks. On the blue line, sophomore Diana Saly is tough as nails. She's smart and strong. Fresher Bellamy looks great at both ends of the ice. Her passing and shooting are heavenly. Up front, first-year Sam Faber is fun. She cuts her patterns in an interesting manner that gives UNH a different dimension. Hekle took her three goals with the genius of a true striker. Her passes produced fine setups that are often made more elegant by her own lovely shifts.
***
Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2005
Subject: Northeastern Women 3 - Connecticut 2
Late Sunday afternoon, the Northeastern Huskies won a close one from the University of Connecticut Huskies. The 3-2 final score, from the total blam-blam that is Matthews Arena, was a huge triumph for NU.
The contest had a ragged opening that built into up and down action. UConn continue with their embarrassment of riches on the blue line, as junior Alicia Ramolla and the latest gem, fresher Brianna Uliasz are indescribably delicious. Meanwhile, Northeastern's Crystal Rochon and first-year Colleen Sanborn were taking turns hitting their jets. But, at the end of one, there was no scoring.
Connecticut need someone like fresher Kristen Russell to solidify their strike force. NU's Rochon continued her fine attacks in the second and only the very capable UConn goalie Kaitlyn Shain snuffed her. In the last minute, Northeastern claimed a one goal lead when first-year Cassie Sperry powered in on net with the puck and junior Ashley Bielawski was there to connect with the rebound. Despite the snow white tan, NU's AB26 often has her cloaking device engaged. Ziggy played it left hand, and damaged the net. Except for that too brief a treat, it was a tedious 20 minutes.
After a meaningless first half of the final period, NU made it 2-0 when Ali Bielawski deflected in a centering pass from sister Ashley. UConn struck back with Jaclyn Hawkins setting up Russell, who made no mistake. Moments later, Connecticut used a spread play that allowed Jennifer Houlden to pick out first-year Samantha Reid. Reid went high and evened the score at two all. There were five minutes left and everything to play for. Northeastern won it, when after a spell where UConn was pushing it, junior Jessica Coppney stabbed home a centering pass for the 3-2 scoreline. It was a major victory for NU.
Connecticut have nice team speed. Their puck movement isn't what it should be. They play lots of team defense, but where's the attack? Sophy Britney Chandler was a big part in the UConn comeback. She was fully stuck in with her special talent to dig the puck. Shain looked solid in net. Ramolla is great. Her skills in her own zone and moving her side forward are super. Uliasz is a force on the ice. Her vision and tactical awareness are excellent.
***
Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2005
Subject: UMass Boston Women 3 - RIT 4 OT
The University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons were edged by the Tigers of the Rochester Institute of Technology 3-4, in overtime, at the Clark. The early Sunday afternoon face-off found the Fates letting RIT pull this one out. UMB was easily their equal today.
It was a sluggish start. Mass Boston had more of the play, largely due to the skating of junior Katie Reardon and sophy Katherine Wall. Eventually, Beacon sophomore Lauren O'Connor weaved her way through the RIT defense and fired high, to make it 1-0. UMB continued to set the pace, however, in the closing minutes, after a Tiger power play, RIT senior Kaley Ostanek took a feed from sophy Allison Bernstein that dinged in off the post, to tie the game at one.
The two netminders, UMass senior Amanda Boucher and Tiger junior Nicki Werner were busy in the middle period. Both registered key saves. RIT were often guilty of standing around, while the Beacons were going for it. UMB regained the lead, when after an interlude of Tiger pressure, junior Melissa Belmonte broke the puck the length of the ice, before first-year Maria Guanci finished the job, by going five hole. RIT countered with a power play score when fresher Jessica Ciaramella was left all alone to float off the left post, before she nailed it. Maegan Geypens and Isabelle Richard were credited with assists. The Beacons' Melissa Wigmore made a series of freelance efforts that could have given the advantage back to UMB. The Tigers were lucky to be tied at two.
In the final segment, at last, it was time for intensity. Both teams wanted the win. RIT forged ahead when sophy Richard went in on a solo breakaway and shuffled the puck before slipping it under the goalie's pads. Ooo-la-la! Lovely goal! For awhile, that looked like it would be enough, till in the last five minutes UMass forced a scrum in front of the Tiger's net, that resulted in the disk trickling over the line, to tie things at three. RIT came alive. But regulation ended a draw. That suited the performances on the ice. Overtime, during the season, is a silly concept. But in OT, the Tigers pressed and the Beacons countered. RIT won it off a face-off deep in the UMB zone. The puck bounced in front and Lindsay Latour whacked it home for a 3-4 victory.
RIT are trying to burn themselves. They appear to believe the game will just happen for them. It is a waste of a lot of talent. The Tigers took too many penalties, all of which they deserved. The mainstay of RIT are players like Ostanek and Becky Jaiven. They do tons of skating for their mates and make their side move. Fresher Ciaramella had a lovely weekend. Her hustle and touch are marvelous. Blue liners Chelsea Palmer and Stacey McConnell were tight markers and made telling transitions. The woman of the match was Richard. Like the lurking Tiger that she is, Richard sneaks her way into hot spots and then strikes with elan. Like the rest of her team, she tended to wait too much today. Even so, with razor paws it appears stealth is part of the game.
UMB were tough this afternoon. They worked well for each other and stayed within their scheme. The Beacons merited at least a tie for their splendid play. Wall continued her speed show and made things tick-tick. Reardon did the little things well and held her line together. She is a wonderful attacker. On defense, sophomore Audrey Deguire was way cool. She stood her assailants up on the blue line and flexed with the best. Junior Wigmore's excellent adventures just about won it for the Beacons. It is a question of timing and the Wig is looking good. The UMB woman of the match was Boucher. She keeps her side in it by making so few errors. Boucher has great position, the tough mitten and classic read/reacts.
***
Date: Sat, 12 Nov 2005
Subject: UMass Boston Women 2 - RIT 3
Noontime Saturday, at Clark Athletic Centre, the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons lost 2-3 to the Tigers of the Rochester Institute of Technology. It was a lovely match. Both sides had their moments, but in the end, RIT's advanced skating and passing lifted them to victory.
In the first period, the Tigers evolved into an all out press. That produced a delicious RIT goal from sophy Isabelle Richard, when she took a nice feed from fresher Brittany Davies and shattered the net. UMB was having trouble staying with RIT. However, at that point the Tigers went into drift mode. While they have superb defenders in junior captain Stacey McConnell and first-year Chelsea Palmer, it still begs the question: why, and more importantly, why?
As the middle interval began, RIT remained in cruise control and gradually Mass Boston started to push it. Junior blue liner Melissa Wigmore was starting to make some thunder and with the likes of classmates Katie Reardon and Andrea Ciarletta, it was only a matter of time. Super snipe Ciarletta tied the score at one when she deked the goalie out of her sox and tucked home. Melissa Belmonte and Wigmore received assists. It is possible that the RIT goalie was stigmatized by the Clark French fry warmers that came on over the stands just before the chance. The Tigers came bounding back when, out of the corner, Richard returned the favor and setup Davies, who drilled her shot high far post. Lovely goal! At 1-2 RIT, it felt like the ideal time to establish a multi-goal advantage, but instead, the Tigers glided.
So, who wants it, was the preestablished theme for the finale. Eventually, RIT fresher attacker Jessica Ciaramella made it 1-3 when she stuffed a big rebound into the back of the net. The UMB goalie could have sued for lack of support. At that point, the Beacons poured it on and went excruciatingly close. RIT also tried to settle it, however were slightly off form. With their goalie pulled, UMB made it more interesting when Wigmore scored to make it 2-3. A Tiger defender deserved an assistant on that tally, as she wiped out herself and her partner to create the situation. RIT hung on for the close win and made tomorrow's rematch even more enticing.
The Tigers are a good team. Their team speed is improving and the puck movement had spells of brilliance. They lack the audacity to put the game away. It should not have been this tight. Junior Nicki Werner displayed a sharp glove in goal. She was adroitly aided by Palmer, who is a strong blue liner. Her perception is top shelf and that allows her to produce refined counters. Up front, Davies appears a diamond in the rough. Her passes are splendid. Davies and Richard should become a rather dynamic striking duo. Disco Richard played big. The razor always seems to have a lethal look to her and you know at any point in time, she may create magic. Richard was the attacker of the match. The woman of the match was McConnell. The ultimate power defender, she makes so many crucial breakups look simple. McConnell is the leader with an improving band.
Mass Boston needs to get their skating up to the mark. It holds them back. They have a talented group of scorers, some fine defenders and goalies, but without the legs, where can they go? The Beacons played their game well. They gave away little and were a menace to their opponent. Senior Amanda Boucher is an excellent standup goaltender. She has a tough mitten to beat. Ciarletta produces goals out of next to nothing. She is a lovely scorer. Sophomore Katherine Wall has a wonderful set of wheels. She was flying at both ends of the ice and is an extremely good team player. The UMB woman of the match was former NU Husky Wigmore. She needs to rope it in a tad - well, more than a tad - nevertheless, she provided good cover and her ranging style suits the Beacons. Wigmore and her mates should go for a higher performance level.
***
Date: Sat, 29 Oct 2005
Subject: Northeastern Women 1 - Providence 5
The weather outside was delightful, with the snow falling on Matthews quite full - Meanwhile inside, the Northeastern Huskies were impaled by the Providence College Friars 1-5. It was no contest. NU continued to dabble with defensive hockey, whereas PC came out attacking and put the game away early. - let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Saturday's matinee started with the Friars flying as they crushed the Huskies. Fresher Erin Normore opened the scoring for Providence when she trailed the play in and buried her try high. The goal was made by captain fantastic Karen Thatcher as she surged in on the NU defense and produced the setup. A short time later, Thatcher made it 0-2 PC when she took a feed off the boards from junior Sonny Watrous, held onto the puck while surrounded by three Northeastern defenders, made a quick deke and then nailed it. Lovely goal! Early candidate for goal of the year. Providence was too fast and their passing continued to devastate the Huskies. Junior Kristin Gigliotti collected the next Friar tally when she took a rebound and shot it thru a maze of players. Gigliotti notched her second to make it 0-4 PC when her point blast deflected in off the netminder's shoulder pad. It was an amazing period of hockey for Providence.
Things were decidedly off the boil as the second began. So little happened, it almost appeared like the teams wanted to call off the game and get on with tomorrow's rematch at Providence. The final PC score was a gift resulting from an absurd penalty call by the main zebra. Northeastern first-year blue liners Courtney O'Connor and Erin Reil were impressive. Reil played within her game and made some slick transitions. O'Connor was intrepid with her determined cover. The only real question - why isn't faux fresher goalie Sarah Belliveau playing a lot more?
By the final frame, somebody had clearly misplaced the kettle. Like an early snowfall, the flakes lacked proper sugar content. The Huskies scored their only goal of the game when the head zebra made a series of make up calls. Junior Crystal Rochon was on fire, as she slammed home a rebound, after developing the chance by digging back and stealing the puck during a potential PC breakaway.
Providence played with superior team speed. Their passes were to mates who were on the go. No dump and chase! When the Friars needed it, their marking was tight. First-year forward Stephanie Morris appears to use a magic stick, as some of the passes she was able to snared were hard to believe. Watrous displayed excellent fore-checking with her all out hustle. In goal, senior Jana Bugden makes it all look so easy. She is a cool cat. She is aided by clever fresher blue liner Normore who hangs onto the puck so well. Sophy Rachel Crissy plays big. Her flair on the penalty kill is lovely. Crissy needs to stay out of the box, and keep her feet moving if she is to develop fully. The woman of the match was Thatcher. Her aggressive attacking pace is wonderful. Thatcher's main asset is her ability to remain patient while controlling the puck, before she dishes off or makes the super shift to set herself free. She is a sensational striker that makes everyone around her play better.
The trivializing of sport with loud pop music at every stoppage of play was unfortunately in fashion at Northeastern.