Icewomen Bomb B.C. In Season-Opener, 10-0

In its home-opener last night, the Harvard women's hockey team crushed a young Boston College squad, 10-0.

Freshman Sandra Whyte opened the scoring for the Crimson only two minutes into the game, and went on to tip in another off junior Char Joslin's blistering slap shot with seven minutes left in the period.

Harvard's second-line freshmen combined twice in the first period, the first time on a great effort by Ceci Clark, who set up Lauren Messmore for a picture-perfect goal five minutes into the period.

The young duo struck again with four minutes left in the period. Clark and classmate Beverly Stickles centered the puck to Messmore, who lifted it over Eagle goaltender Kerri Tiernan, sending the Crimson into the locker room with a four goal lead.

Although recovering from an ankle injury, Joslin helped the Crimson cause midway through the second period when she drove a hard shot on the net, which was deflected in by Sue Cullinane.

Joslin missed the Crimson's season-opener against Providence last week.

Whyte set up sophomore Emily Diehl for another second period tally with only one minute left in the period.

Harvard Coach John Dooley was confident and comfortable after two periods. Instead of heading into the locker room with his team, Dooley chatted with fans.

After the game, he said, "I wish [B.C. was] more competitive. But this type of game gives kids who don't get to play an opportunity to gain confidence."

Power

The Crimson attack powered its way to another four goals in the final period, starting with Tri-Captain Julia Trotman's goal assisted by Joslin and Tri-Captain Brita Lind two minutes into the period.

Freshman Ginny Simonds followed with a goal off a shot from the blue line, assisted by senior Martina Albright two minutes later. Simonds set up fellow defenseman Stickles midway through the period for the ninth Crimson goal.

Harvard closed out the scoring with seven minutes left in the game. Freshman Buffy Hansen scored off a shot from the blue line to send the Crimson into double digits.

The Crimson dominated the game, testing Tiernan 83 times. Harvard sophomore goaltender Gillian D'Souza had to stop nine B.C. shots.

Elis Ahead

"This competition allowed us to practice and properly prepare for Saturday's game at Yale where we'll see how we stack up against the Ivies," Harvard Assistant Coach Bill MacDonald said. "It gave us a better chance to look at the freshmen since we still haven't decided on the final slots. The freshmen will be important to the team, and we'll hear a lot from them."

In the next two weeks, the Crimson (1-1) faces road games against Yale, Brown, New Hampshire, Colby and Bowdoin. "Our tests are coming," Dooley said.

"We're going to be much improved in the second half with so many young kids out there," he added.