(09Jan99)  Late Saturday afternoon at Matthews, the Huskies of Northeastern
were edged by the Princeton Tigers 1-2 in overtime.  It was an excellent game
with both teams providing plenty of up and down action.  In the end, the
Huskies couldn't finish and the Tigers were able to pour it on and pull out a
fine victory.
 
There was no scoring in a first period that featured some nice scoring plays
from both sides, but even stiffer defensive play.  The passing tended to be a
tad rushed and therefore off, and most of the shots were telegraphed.
 
In the middle frame again both squads pressed forward, but NU started to lock-
on in the Princeton zone.  The Tigers lack of effective breakout plays was
telling.  At the end of a Princeton power play, the Huskies seized the lead
when sophomore Lisa Giovanelli (Jennifer Santerre) roofed her try from close
range.  The Tiger defense had made a number of poor clearing passes and
Northeastern was able to pick several off, and that one resulted in a goal.
NU looked on the boil and almost went up 2-0 when Hilary Witt made a marvelous
solo rush through the PU defense and rang her shot off the post.
 
As the third began, Princeton united their big line of Ali Coughlin, fresher
Andrea Kilbourne and Annamarie Holmes and started looking more deadly.  The
teams continued their up and down play, and both were looking for that perfect
break that would open the match for them.  Northeastern again went really
close to making it 2-0 when Beth Claggett released a lovely pass that froze
both the Tiger defender and goalie, however Kathleen Savino's effort bounced
off the post and wide.  Princeton tied the contest at one when Holmes
(Kilbourne, Coughlin) put home a rebound.  Coughlin had swooped up her wing
and fed the streaking Kilbourne right in front of net.  Her quick shot was
kicked aside, but Holmes was there to fade right and lift her backhander into
the top netting.  Lovely goal!  The Tigers were on fire now and went close to
winning the game in the dying seconds, but NU's goaltender Erika Silva brushed
the attempt away.
 
In overtime, the Huskies were looking drained.  Meanwhile the Tigers had a
frisky stride.  Nonetheless, neither side looked that dangerous in the extra
time.  The winner came from Princeton's Holmes when she intercepted an errant
pass from NU goalie Silva, who had come out of her net to push forward a loose
puck.  Holmes collected the disc and tucked it into the back of the net.
 
Princeton is a very talented hockey team and it is obvious why they are a top
four team.  They're real good.  However how you play the game does matter.  I
was disappointed that they wasted so much time carrying their sticks high,
hooking and running interference.  The Tigers' junk detracts from their
brilliant play.  If they spent more time on their skating and passing their
striking could easily be top shelf.  First-year netminder Susan Maes is large
and nimble, but tends to go down too early.  Defenders Annie Seelus and
fresher Aviva Grumet-Morris both stayed calm and kept it simple.  While others
were losing their heads, these two made the effect moves and passes to keep it
tight at the back.  Princeton does need to develop some effectual breakout
plays soon, because otherwise they will get toasted as they run around in
their own end.  The woman of the match was the line of Coughlin, Kilbourne and
Holmes.  They surge forward with a power that is electrifying.  At times they
can be predictable, but the raw energy they generate is awesome.  Coughlin was
using her speed and wonderful rushes to full advantage.  She combines really
well with Kilbourne, who is an excellent face-off artist.  Often this line
didn't play together because of the intelligent/noble use of three five-player
units.  But when Holmes moves up onto that line, there is a sensation that
must produce fear in most opponents.  The three connect as a line and provide
thrilling ice hockey.  Overall, with a little more skating and passing, the
Tigers could win it all.
 
Northeastern had this match and lost it.  The problem remains the inability to
score.  The lack of finishing is slowly destroying all the lovely movement the
team can create.  It is a vicious pattern that is pulling an extremely
talented team down.  On the bright side, the defense continues remarkably
strong.  Captain Jaime Totten and fresher Erica Archambeau were splendid
as they strip-mined the Princeton forwards.  Blue liner Erine Metcalf had
a fine outing marking the Tigers.  The Northeastern woman of the match was
goalie Silva.  She made several key saves on slot shots that were drilled.
Silva has come into her own this season and is a super tender.  Up front,
first-year Brooke White was on the burn for the first half of the contest.
She needs to deal more as she wheels, but White is a very interesting
talent.  Her linemate, Giovanelli turned it on in the later stages of the
match.  Along with Santerre, that line hasn't found the magic touch, but
they have the components.  The combo of Witt and fresher Brooke Whitney
went close several times.  The 1-2's they work from face-offs are
delightful.  Overall, until they break their scoring duck, the Huskies
won't be challenging for the honors.
 
 _____________
/
 good shooting
 hungerf
_____________/
 
HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
[log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.