Sunday afternoon at Matthews, the Northeastern Huskies and the Tigers of
Princeton played to a 3-3 draw.  I was expecting something special in the year
of the Tiger and this great match seems to fit.  Princeton took a 0-3 lead
going into the third and was tied by the storming Huskies.  The result is that
the Tigers finish in seventh place and return next weekend to Matthews for the
ECAC quarterfinals.
 
The game started with Northeastern dominating huge sections of the first
period, but Princeton hitting back with two quick strikes for the lead.  The
Tigers opened the scoring with a 5 on 3 power play goal.  Danya Marshman (Dani
Holtschlag, Annamarie Holmes) tipped in a point shot after some fine puck
movement.  NU continued to pound away after that goal, but Ali Coughlin (Laura
Hays) broke the puck out of her end, worked a 1-2 with Hays and finished the
play to make it 0-2.  Lovely goal!
 
In the second, again the Huskies piled on long spells of pressure, but
Princeton converted a nice 1-2 to go ahead 0-3.  Northeastern was executing a
set play on a face-off when Hays (Coughlin, Holmes) was sprung for the score.
Perhaps the Huskies were overcommitted to the attack, but I liked their
thinking.  The Tiger fans sensed victory, but were becoming more concerned
about their team's inability to get the puck out of their own end.
 
In the final interval, there was more up and down action, and that seemed to
suit the Northeastern attack better.  At the start of the period, Jennie
Setaro (Jaime Totten) drilled her chance high glove side from the slot.
Hilary Witt (Stephanie Acres, Keri-Anne Allan) made it 2-3 with a power play
goal.  The puck had moved: point - slot - side of the net, before Witt twirled
and whipped the puck into the back of the net.  At that point NU started to
pour on the attack again and press the Tigers deep in their zone.  In the
final minute, Setaro (Colleen Coen, Witt) tied the game at three when Witt
beat the Princeton defender to the puck, centered it to Coen, who slid it over
to Setaro for the score.  Lovely goal!
 
In overtime both teams had their opportunities, but neither could capitalize.
It was a fantastic ending to a wonderful game.  Full marks to both teams for a
splendid show.
 
Fashion alert:  yes, the Princeton Tiger Women are wearing an all black outfit
with a tiger striped sash around the middle.  Two highly questionable snaps!
 
Princeton played very well.  Their strength is up the middle where their
speedy centers can take the puck and make things happen.  The Tigers downside
is a rather immobile defense that tends to back in on their netminder.
Fresher defenders Jordan Rettig and Holmes both looked swell on the point
during attacking spells, but had trouble in their own end and with the
transition game.  Given some skating development, these two could become
exceptional players for Princeton.  In goal, Tammy Orlow made some key saves.
She hung in there when the Huskie barrage was at full tilt and kicked out
numerous rebounds.  Sophomore forward Marshman made some wonderful shifts and
moved the puck well.  Fresher Hays played her role well and timed her return
passes expertly.  The Princeton woman of the match was Coughlin.  Her dynamic
end-to-end rushes were thrilling.  Coughlin was the difference in the first
two periods with her ability to break the puck out and move her team forward.
Overall, I'm looking forward to the rematch next weekend.
 
Northeastern pulled off a remarkable comeback today.  The Uptown Girls were
flying today, but were not moving well off the puck.  The result was, that
while the fore-check scheme was superb, the ensuing attack didn't make it
because there was seldom anyone in a proper position to pass to.  It is really
nice to see the team speed, but a little perception could do wonders.  Kim
Beneduce and fresher Jessica Ferwerda had strong weekends.  They played smart
defense and moved the puck well.  Senior blue liner Allan was a standout with
her excellent vision.  The line of Betsy Dyke, Acres and Witt at times looked
super.  When they drive as a line, fabulous plays can happen.  The
Northeastern woman of the match was Witt.  She had a total package game.  Witt
back-checked, she fore-checked, she made lovely passes and she took her goal
well.  She made one tremendous length of the ice rush that just missed.
Overall, the Huskies are not on song, but with the speed I saw today, I expect
something big soon.
 
 
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 good shooting
 hungerf
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