Icewomen Thrash Flutie-Less Boston College, 8-2

Is it possible to feel sorry for the school that has Doug Flutie?

If you asked that question of anyone at last night's Harvard-Boston College women's ice hockey game, they would have to answer 'yes'.

The game was enough to bring tears to the eyes of any loyal B.C. fans who made the trek across the river to Bright Center, as the Crimson rolled to a 8-2 victory over the hapless Eagles.

For Harvard, which used four-plus lines and two goalies, the game was a nice bit of padding in a tough schedule.

"This was a good opportunity to give all the kids who had been working hard a chance to play," said Crimson Coach John Dooley. "It prepared us for Thursday."

That's because on Thursday the icewomen host Northeastern, one of the top squads in the country. And if the Cantabs aren't ready, they'll run the risk of looking just like Boston College did last night.

Which way, in one word, out classed.

In the first period, the seniors led they way for the Cantabs.

Liz Ward opened things with an unassisted goal 7:13 into the game, followed by a pair of tallies from Kelly Landry. Ward then knocked in her second of the day, and eighth of the season, the boost the Crimson to an early 4-0 lead.

After a second period goal from Genie Simmons threatened to turn the game into a complete laugher, the Eagles finally responded.

Eagle senior Liz White combined, with teammates Diane Godde and Grace Watkins to get B.C. onto the board at last.

Then Linda Griffin snuck a quick one past Harvard goalie Toni Tease--subbing for starter Tracy Kimmel--at the start of the third period and, all of a sudden, the lead was cut to three.

But the Crimson didn't seem too concerned, as freshman Johanna Neilson and senior Dinny Starr lined shots past B.C. goalie Jackie Tessier at 11:19 and 11:23, respectively.

"We didn't really play up to par, but it was a good game since we won," said Tri-Captain Starr afterwards.

The freshman connection wrapped it up for Harvard, as Julie Sasner barreled past a defender, swept to the right of the net, and drove the puck past the overworked Tessier.

"Our leader on the ice is Julie Sasner," said Dooley. "All four of our defenders are freshmen--it's a crucial position to learn how to play and we're still making mistakes, but hoping to reduce them."

Sasner had never played defense before this season, when she was pressed into blue line service. "I guess I was marked defense before I even stepped on the ice," said the talented freshman.

The win upped Harvard's record to 4-2, but the squad will not be blessed with such a weak opponent the next time out.