Women's hockey wins two in conference

Author: Emma Gardner

Despite returning from Thanksgiving break early to log twelve hours on the bus last weekend, the women's hockey team had much to be thankful for after beating Hamilton 8-2 on Nov. 29 and earning a shutout over Wesleyan 5-0 on Nov. 30. The Panthers are working hard this season to regain their status as a Division-III powerhouse and have so far produced an undefeated 4-0-1 record.

While many of the women returned home for a brief stay on Thanksgiving, each continued to prepare mentally and physically for the weekend ahead, knowing that the team faced two tough games against conference opponents.

"This was our first league weekend on the road," said Erika Nakamura '09. "It was a tough schedule, but we knew what we were getting into and were very well prepared."

The women considered their opponents from all angles in developing their strategy, focusing on broad game plans as well as details such as rink size and the styles of the respective Hamilton and Wesleyan goalkeepers.

"Hamilton has a tiny rink, and we haven't played great at their rink in the past, so that was in the back of my mind," said Nakamura. Still, this year's first matchup proved successful for the Panthers as they toppled the Continentals in a solid victory that saw a strong effort from Middlebury across the board, as the eight goals were divided among six players.

With Hamilton earning the first tally on the scoreboard ten minutes into the first period, the tone of the game was uncertain from the start. Penalties plagued the Hamilton squad as the Panthers' strong line remained on the offensive for most of the period, earning eleven shots on goal against the Continentals' two.

Nakamura battled back from the lost goal, netting back-to-back goals within less than one minute, to put the Panthers on top. Julia Ireland '11 followed in hot pursuit less than three minutes later, sending the puck into the net after latching onto a pass from Molly Vitt '09 in the right circle.

Powerplays played an essential role in Middlebury's performance against both Hamilton and Wesleyan, and formed a key element in the Panthers' strategy. With seven out of 13 goals earned on power-plays, the women effectively capitalized on opportunities to score.

"Our power-play has made great strides and this weekend they were outstanding," said Nakamura. "Molly and Julia were like two peas in a pod - their chemistry was really great all weekend."

Though Hamilton's Kathryn Kroleski managed to slide one in past goalkeeper Lani Wright '10 on a rebound in the middle of the second period, the Panthers sealed the outcome of the game early on with a combination of strong offensive play and stellar goaltending, as Wright blocked all but two out of 24 shots on goal.

Sunday's match against Wesleyan further demonstrated the Panthers' ability for consistent performance and hard work. Middlebury played a clean game and came out on top once again, denying the Cardinals a win for the 41st straight time since 1979. With goals from Ireland, Vitt and Nakamura as well as senior Annmarie Cellino '09, the women proved their staying power with overwhelming skill.

Middlebury remains the team to beat this winter, as head coach Bill Mandigo reminded his team as they prepared for the two games. "He told us going into the weekend that our team now has a bull's eye on its back and everyone is out to get us," noted Nakamura.

The pressure worked to drive the Panthers into high gear, and the women hope to continue their streak as they enter their home opener weekend against opponents Conn. College and Amherst.

"Hopefully we can have a good game against Connecticut College and carry that momentum over to the game against Amherst," said Cellino. "Amherst is the team to beat in the NESCAC, so it should be a pretty exciting game."

"Amherst has turned into our NESCAC rival; I can't wait to match up with them on Saturday," added Nakamura. "We'd like to end the semester on a good note before we leave for break."