Women's Hockey primed for Ivy win

The women's hockey team has taken measures to ensure that history won't repeat itself. For years, the Bulldogs have struggled to escape the bottom of the Division I rankings, earning a reputation for spirit and perseverance despite continual losses. Often plagued by coaching and recruiting difficulties, the team has gone 12 seasons without an Ivy League victory.

This, however, may be the year that the Elis have the resources to break that unfortunate streak. Almost every aspect of the team has recently been overhauled, down to the revamped locker rooms. The 1996-97 season brought the first signs of change. In the wake of a recruiting disaster that yielded no players from the class of 1999, the Athletic Department stepped up its commitment to women's hockey, bringing in six members in the class of 2000. This year's turnout is even better, and the roster now sports eight freshmen, six sophomores, no juniors, and three seniors.

According to team captain Sarah Russell, SM '98, this unusual distribution has produced "a different dynamic.... Our sophomores have had to take more leadership roles and greater responsibility." These relationships seem to be working well, and the freshmen haven't hesitated to make their presence known. Lisa Meyers, SY '01, who had a hat trick in the Bulldogs' 7-1 victory over Division III opponent Wesleyan on Tues., Nov. 25, has been a major force in the offensive attack. Jane Resor, MC '01, and Catherine McAdams, SM '01, have also been regular contributors.

Julia Tiernan/YH Carina Towse, TC '01, is one of the stellar rookies helping to rebuild a hockey squad that is racing toward a newfound respectability

Goaltender Laurie Belliveau, TD '98, remarked that "depth was a factor in the Colby game," a well-played contest on Sun., Nov. 23, that ended in a hard-fought 3-3 tie. In contrast, during the 1995-96 season, the Elis sometimes played games with fewer than 10 skaters--hardly more than one line. At the very least, the presence of a full team allows the players to perform at their full physical potential, knowing that substitutes are available. New blood has also brought new talent; further improvement, as Belliveau observed, comes from the fact that "the people coming in have more experience."

Reinforcing the spirit of progress, the Blue has also acquired a new head coach this season. John Marchetti, who served as the team's assistant coach two years ago, returned to the squad through the combined efforts of the players and the athletic department. According to several skaters, Marchetti brings a new vision and commitment to the team, as well as his successful experience from Providence.

"He is incredibly well organized and cares a lot about the team," Russell said. Belliveau concurred: "We have much more sound systems; things are explained better," she said.

One of the team's greatest strengths is not new: the play of nationally-acclaimed goalie Belliveau. She has kept the opponent's score low and the Bulldogs' morale high even in difficult defensive games.

Despite the team's struggles over her three year career, Belliveau has been able to distinguish herself in the league. The netminder has twice been named Ivy League Co-Player of the Year, and has earned first team All-Ivy honors three times. Belliveau already owns Yale records for saves in a career (3,282 coming into the year), and for saves in a single season (1,321).

This year's challenge will be combining the strong defense with an increased offensive effort. Marchetti said, "Laurie is the backbone of our team, and now we have more offensive support for her. Offensively, we're as strong as we've been in a long time."

Russell also sees the team strategy as "more offensive-minded this year. We know we can score and come back from behind." Belliveau agreed that for the Bulldogs to win games, "it's all a matter of scoring goals."

The Elis will have a chance to test their strategy when they host Providence and Brown at Ingalls Rink, on Sat., Dec. 6 and Sun., Dec. 7, respectively. The team is optimistic, looking forward to what might well be the season's first Ivy League win. Marchetti stated, "There's no question that this team is the most competitive we've had in the last four to five years.... We're competitive with more than half the teams in our league." Russell echoed this confidence. "We're definitely going to get some league wins this year," she said.

With new talent, a new coach and a new attitude, the Bulldogs are moving forward and making progress. As Meyers said, "It's a great group of people. To be part of this team at this time is really exciting."

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