Saturday afternoon at Bright Hockey Center the Harvard Crimson and the
UNH Wildcats played an intense 2-2 draw.  With both teams using dump and
fore-check at times the match resembled a test pattern on the ice.
Fortunately at other times we had individuals trying to seize the moment.
 
In the first period, UNH surged forward and was rewarded when Tricia Dunn
(Wendy Tatarouns, Brandy Fisher) finished off a nice break in play at the
far post.  The situation developed because of the Wildcats' aggressive
back-checking and stand-up defense, which created a quick transition.
Harvard started making the simple play and was able to make some
counter-attacks.  Winkie Mleczko (Lauren Turner, Jenny Duval) was setup
at the point and drilled her slap shot which was deflected in off a UNH
defender.  A short time later, Turner (Duval, Ellen Frump) knocked home
the go ahead goal (2-1).  The Wildcats were at 6's & 7's in their own
zone, and the three-way passing play caught them out.  There was no
scoring in the middle stanza.  Harvard was starting to look tired as UNH
kept up the pressure.  Both sides were using too much outside shooting
instead of looking for the telling pass that would open up the better
chances.  At the start of the third UNH came out determined to score.
The Wildcats put on a ton of pressure and tied the match at 2 when Fisher
(Tatarouns, Dunn) drilled her chance home at the far post.  Both teams
were starting to looking very fatigued.  UNH generated several 2 on 1's
and the Crimson hit the post a couple of times.  In overtime both teams
had chances, but the Wildcats came close more often.  Overall, it was a
good game to watch with both teams putting out a big effort.
 
New Hampshire put on at least twice the amount of pressure that Harvard
was able to produce.  I still don't see them playing that well as a team,
but the individuals are doing very well.  The woman of the match for UNH
was Kelley Roberts.  The senior co-captain played a tremendous game on
defense.  Roberts provided the timely leadership to stop the other team
and then rush forward.  She is having a wonderful year!  Lisa Widdecke
also had a good day on the blue line as she stood up the Crimson
attackers.  First-year player Sara Cross saw duty today on defense and
played well as she made the good break out pass.  The attack was lead by
the speed and desire of Dunn.  She almost won the match many times with
her quick strikes.  The best line for the Wildcats was Liz Neiley, Anne
Camins and Doris Catlin.  They move the puck so well.  They also cover
for each other.  Fisher and Tatarouns also played well today, both
demonstrated good puck control.  Still, that first line does not produce
the kind of goals I feel they are capable of.  Overall, UNH played a
strong game, but seemed to be thinking of tomorrow's match.
 
Harvard did very well to draw the Wildcats.  The team defense was working
very hard and produced the style of game the coach seems to want.  The
attack did not look good today.  Just like so many other teams: "The
offense will take care of itself" - I don't think so!  The woman of the
match was senior goalie Erin Villiotte.  She made so many good saves and
at times provided the needed poke-check to stop the UNH attack.  The
other stand out player was new defender Christa Calagione.  She showed
some very good reads today and her break out rushes are what helped
Harvard stay in this game.  Calagione does need to learn her limits, but
she seems a natural back there.  Holly Leitzes and Colleen Malek both
made big plays today on the blue line.  Kate Schutt provided some fine
hustle as she centered her line.  The best line for the Crimson was
Frump, Duval and Turner.  Turner got off a number of good shots today.
Duval and Frump were skating very well and carrying their assignments
through.  Overall, Harvard should be very happy with this tie.  They
played very well.
 
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 good shooting
 rhun-hungerf
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