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Volume CXXXIII, Number 11 |
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Women's hockey ranked second in nation
REBEKAH METZLER
STAFF WRITER
The Women's Ice Hockey Team has dominated play in its first weekend of
competition, outscoring its opponents 14-1. The Bears traveled to Hartford
two weekends ago, and mauled the Trinity Bantams 7-0 and the Wesleyan
Cardinals 7-1.
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| Junior goalie Emily McKissock rejects shots right and left during a practice session this week. (Colin LeCroy, Bowdoin Orient) |
The announcement that the team had moved to #2 in the national Division
III hockey rankings was a sweet reward for the women's efforts. "Being
second is a great honor and the right way to start off the season,"
said sophomore Jess Burke. "I am confident that we can maintain this
high level after playing even the most challenging teams, and possibly
rise even to #1."
Gillian McDonald '04 and Shelly Chessie '03 both scored twice for Bowdoin
in the Trinity matchup. Chessie, who also posted a goal and three assists
in the Wesleyan game, was named NESCAC Women's Hockey Player of the Week
on November 19.
First years Marissa O'Neil and Kirsti Anderson scored their first collegiate
goals in the Trinity game, and senior Carrie Simonds tossed in one to
finish out the scoring for Bowdoin.
Francesca Klucevek-Whalen '03 started in goal for the Bears, and was
called upon to make only nine saves in the shutout.
The Bears brought the same offensive intensity the next day in the Wesleyan
game. Katie Duglin '05 and Alyson Lizotte '03 netted goals, along with
O'Neil, Anderson, McDonald, and Chessie.
Wesleyan snuck onto the board late in the game to mar the near-flawless
weekend of play. Senior Emily McKissock collected 17 saves in her first
start of the season between the pipes.
"Playing Trinity and Wesleyan, not our most challenging opponents,
gave us a great opportunity to get a feel for our new systems without
too much defensive pressure," Burke said.
She explained that the Bears have integrated a different style of play
compared to past years. "Our systems have led to a more offensive
minded game this year," she said. "It was really encouraging
to see not one or two but a variety of players rack up some points."
"The first years made a great debut," she continued. "They
really stepped up to the plate and established their roles as contributors
to the team."
It's been a great start to the Bear season and signs of its slowdown
are nowhere in sight. Even injuries, a constant worry for a smaller team,
aren't an immediate concern. "My feet feel great in my skates due
to the cushioning in my new Bauer sandals!" Burke exclaimed.
The Bears are charging ahead this weekend, playing at Amherst and Hamilton.
As disappointing as it is to be unable to see the team play yet, it only
adds to the anticipation of the Bears' first home game (against Middlebury)
on December 7.
Be sure to keep your calendar open for the matchup between the top two
teams in the country. Prepare to see some fur fly!