Thursday evening at Matthews the University of New Hampshire Wildcats
won a nonleague match over the Northeastern Huskies 0-3.  UNH used
individual efforts and digger hockey to pull out a victory.  The
Huskies had some elegant plays, but right now lack the scorers touch.
 
In the first period there was no scoring.  The Wildcats put on some
pressure, but were too busy with their dump and chase game to score.
Northeastern made some good rushes, but were skating tired.  At the
start of the second, Wendy Tatarouns (Heather Reinke) scored a power
play goal for UNH.  The goal was all Tatarouns as she skated up the
gut with some nice stickhandling before tucking her shot into the net.
At the beginning of the third period, Brandy Fisher (Tatarouns, Reinke)
tipped home a shot by Tatarouns through a screen of players.  Once
again the play was made by Tatarouns who had trailed the play in, and
then taken charge.  UNH had a 0-2 lead despite the fact that the
Huskies had come out strong with some of their best setups of the
season.  Tricia Dunn (Liz Neiley) finished the scoring when she put
home a free shot at the far post after a scramble in front of the
Northeastern net.
 
It is so sad to watch UNH these days.  Just a few years ago they had
such a brilliant attack and some of the best team play anywhere.  Now
they are a bunch of individuals using rugged play to cover their lack
of direction and hopeful that digger hockey will produce scoring
chances.  The woman of the match was Tatarouns.  Her strong skating
made her a force on the ice.  She carried the puck very well and can
kill penalties or make wonderful solo rushes.  Excellent player!  On
the night I liked the play of Tricia Dunn who showed some lovely moves.
First-year forward Jennifer Turner also has some good speed and looks
to be a strong striker.  Overall, the Wildcats deserved their victory,
but with the style of play they use, I am left with many doubts.
 
Northeastern seems to be in a slump.  Without Kim Haman, they have not
been able to find the one or two go-to players they need to score the
goals.  The attack is marvelous, but without finishing.  The skating
at times looks fine, but overall they lack the confidence right now
to pull off the big plays.  Kim Flatt had a big night in goal.  She
kept her team in the match and is facing the shooter extremely well.
Kim Drews produced one of her better games on defense.  Her dynamic
coverage let her slip all over the ice.  Bree Cheatham tried to get
the attack moving from her defensive position.  She is leading the
team now, but her fine rushes are not paying off.  Julie Otto got
some time on defense and shows continued improvement.  The best
line for the Huskies was Danyel Howard, Kelly Tapani and Jessica
Wagner.  They created a number of interesting setups.  Overall,
Northeastern needs scoring, which will lead to confidence and better
play on all fronts.
 
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 good shooting
 rhun
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