Women’s hockey seeks to overcome weaknesses in coming weeks

With five games remaining in the regular season, the women’s hockey team is “playing every game like it’s a playoff game from this point on,” in the words of tri-captain Lani Wright ’10. Having played two conference games over the break, the women are now ranked seventh in the country, and have a ways to go before playoffs begin. Though they dropped a 3-2 game to Hamilton last Saturday, the Panthers had previously enjoyed a six-game winning streak against NESCAC opponents Williams, Trinity, Wesleyan and Conn. College.

Though the Camels opened scoring in last Friday’s game, the Panthers knocked down their ill-fated opponents (who have managed only five wins this season) midway through the second period with two powerplay goals less than a minute apart from each other. Rookie Heather Marrison ’13 notched a point for the Panthers first, inspiring Anna McNally ’11 to do the same as Middlebury took control of the game.

Failing to stage a comeback, the Camels were left to watch as Nora Bergman ’11 and Maggie Woodward ’13 scored twin goals in the third period — again, with barely one minute in between.

“[The Camels] were a strong team that kept with us most of the game, and the 4-1 score definitely did not reflect the [intensity of the] game,” said goaltender Lexi Bloom ’11. “The game was 2-1 up until the end of the third when we scored. They pulled their goalie and we finished with an empty netter to make it 4-1. I think Conn. will be an opponent to look out for in the near future.”

Though the women dominated the Camels on Friday, they seemed to lose some steam as they moved into a matchup against Hamilton the next day. Dropping a game to the Continentals for the first time since the ’82-’83 season, the Panthers suffered a disappointing third period as Hamilton’s Laura DiCarlo and Becky Cairns each notched a goal with only two minutes left in the game, leaving no time for the Panthers to come back. Nevertheless, Ashley Bairos ’10 performed impressively throughout the game, earning the Panthers’ only two goals of the day in the second period.

“At Hamilton, we dominated the game, but they had a little bit more fire than us at the end of the third,” continued Bloom. “Their stadium was packed for their Senior Night, and I honestly think the fans helped. The refereeing was absolutely atrocious, but that’s something we can’t control.”

“We didn’t play 60 minutes — that has been our biggest challenge all year,” said tri-captain Marjie Billings ’10. “To have a team beat you with two minutes left when you’re up 2-1 is a devastating blow. But going forward, the game against Plattsburgh is the ultimate test. We are the underdogs in every way possible. It’s a statement game for our team and for the rest of the season.”

The Panthers played Plattsburgh Wednesday evening, facing the number-one ranked team in the country for a game that promised tough competition.

“We are excited to regain our momentum,” said tri-captain Heather McCormack ’10.

Though the Panthers have gained important wins this season, the team has indeed been plagued by incomplete performances in which opponents located Middlebury’s weak sports and effectively exploited them. Keeping their focus and drive in tact will prove a challenge for the women as the season wears on, but with history, talent and excellent coaching on their side, the Panthers have more strengths than weaknesses. The next weeks will determine whether the women can capitalize on those strengths and have the ability to overcome the challenges they face.

“We’re learning from our mistakes,” said Wright. “Reflecting on a tough loss like that, we realize that who we are is defined by how we react to that moment and what we do in the future.”