Looking for redemption after tough weekend against ECAC foes

BY SARAH PETERSON

After a frustrating weekend at home, the women's hockey team must rebound with a vengeance. The weekend featured a 3-1 loss to Cornell and a 9-3 defeat at the hands of ECAC powerhouse St. Lawrence. Using these two games as a learning experience, Yale has a chance to come back this weekend when the team takes on Niagara twice at the Whale.

JULIA TIERNAN/YH Women's hockey needs to convert on power plays to beat Niagra this weekend.

In both games last weekend, Yale was unable to recover from early deficits. The Big Red took advantage of its opportunities, while Yale failed to score until too late into the third period. "The Cornell game was disappointing," forward Sara Wood, SM '02, said. "We didn't capitalize on their mistakes and they did."

While the Cornell game remained close until the end, Yale did not even get a chance to get its bearings before St. Lawrence leapt out to a 2-0 lead in the first minute of play. Yale never recovered from the two early St. Lawrence goals, and the third-ranked team in the nation kept the Bulldogs on their heels for the rest of the contest. Yale is looking to regain its focus this weekend.

Success will depend on the team's ability to remain mentally and physically tough. The Elis will continue looking to Captain Lisa Meyers, SY '01, for guidance both on and off the ice. Last weekend, Meyers increased her team-leading point total to 16, netting two goals and adding two assists. Along with Deanna McDevitt, JE '03, and Wood, the first-string offensive line must strike early against Niagara. Victory this weekend could hinge on the squad's ability to convert on power plays. The Bulldogs cannot afford to squander any of these opportunities.

On both ends of the ice, Yale must prepare for a physical battle. Niagara enters New Haven as the league leader in penalty minutes, averaging almost 13 minutes per game, while the less violent Elis are the least penalized team. During a series of tough, contact-filled practices, the Bulldogs have attempted to prepare for a brutal struggle this weekend. Eight of the last 12 games are at home. "We hope to use this to our advantage," Wood said. "Maybe we can win a couple of games that maybe we're not expected to win." —Sarah Peterson

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