Icewomen Fall to ECAC Powerhouse UNH, 6-4

Harvard women's hockey assistant coach Julie Sasner termed it, "Our best effort ever against UNH [New Hampshire]."

The Crimson may have lost to ECAC powerhouse UNH, 6-4, on Thursday night in Durham, N.H., but the Crimson played a game worthy of former Harvard Captain Sasner's praise.

New Hampshire wasted no time in jumping on top, opening the scoring on the second shift, one-and-a-half minutes into the first period. Lorna Moody netted a slap shot from the point that was unavoidably deflected in by a Harvard defenseman.

Freshman Sandra Whyte, earning the nickname "Sniper" for her hat trick on the night, showcased her uncanny ability to come out of nowhere and score. She executed a nice passing combination between linemates and Tri-Captains Brita Lind and Julia Trotman, tying the game five minutes into the first period.

Harvard (3-2 overall, 2-0 Ivy) took the lead after the next face off when junior Char Joslin drove in a slap shot from the blue line, assisted by senior Nina Simonds.

New Hampshire's Laura Prisco tallied with seven minutes left in the period, sending the teams into the lockeroom tied at two.

Wildcat Explosion

UNH exploded in the second period, with goals from Dawn Harris, Shauna Davidson, and Andrea Hunter. The Crimson responded with one, scored by Whyte off a give-and-go with help from Lind and Trotman.

Whyte completed her hat trick five minutes into the third period on what Sasner termed "a solo effort." Whyte beat a wing and defenseman down the left side to score off a wrist shot on New Hampshire goalie Laura Stiles' glove side.

UNH maintained its one-goal margin until the final moments of the game when Harvard tried to clear the zone to add an extra man. A big scramble in front of the net allowed Davidson to net her second goal of the night.

With 35 seconds left to play Harvard coach John Dooley pulled Tri-Captain Jen White from the goal and added an extra forward, but UNH hung tough to contain the Crimson and pull out the win.

White had a busy night, stopping 35 UNH shots, while Stiles made 20 saves. Both goalies were busy in the third period, stopping 16 and 10 shots respectively.

"We're psyched about the game," said White, excited by Harvard's effort. "It's the closest we've ever come to beating them. They were on their heels, and we threw them for a loop."

White complimented UNH's style of play, noting that they open up and use the whole ice. "They're fast and strong, not a cheap team," White admitted. "I like this team and I respect them."

The Crimson continues on its long road swing, travelling to play at Colby today and Bowdoin tomorrow in preparation for the Lake Placid Invitational Tournament, which will be held on New Year's weekend.