Dartmouth Back on Top
Apparently, Dartmouth likes revenge. The No. 1 Big Green (16-1-1) suffered its only tie of the season at home against St. Lawrence back in November. On Saturday Dartmouth traveled to Canton to take on the No. 4 Saints (14-4-3), and the Big Green made a statement with a 5-3 win on the road. That extended the Big Green’s winning streak to five games and snapped the Saints’ unbeaten streak at 10.
Sure, the difference was only two goals. But Dartmouth became the first team to score more than three goals against Rachel Barrie, the Saints’ standout rookie goaltender.
As usual, Dartmouth won with its depth. Five different players scored for the Big Green, including representatives from all three forward lines as well as a goal from defenseman Carrie Sekela. Barrie still came up with 33 saves, but the Big Green blasted 38 shots on net and five managed to cross the crease. The key to the game, according to Dartmouth coach Judy Parish Oberting, was that Dartmouth arrived in New York ready to come out flying.
“What has made this team so much fun to coach is the way they prepare to play,” Oberting said. “They are focused before games, they know that teams are gunning for them and they are ready to play once the puck is dropped. We were excited to play one of the best teams in the country, and we’re happy to have won.”
Center Amanda Sargeant singlehandedly kept the Saints in the game through two periods, scoring both St. Lawrence goals to keep the score tied heading into the second intermission. Defenseman Caroline Trudeau added another score late in the third period, but that was no match for the firepower from Sekela and Dartmouth forwards Kim McCullough, Kristina Guarino, Carly Haggard and Lauren Trottier.
St. Lawrence hosts a two-game series against Niagara this weekend while Dartmouth will be at home to take on Princeton and Yale.
Gophers Enjoy Successful East Coast Swing
Never give Minnesota a second crack. The last time the No. 3 Gophers (17-4-1) traveled to New Hampshire, they were swept by Dartmouth. Last weekend, Minnesota returned to New Hampshire to take on UNH in Durham. The result was another sweep — only this time, the Gophers came away with a pair of victories over the No. 8 Wildcats (14-11-0).
Senior netminder Erica Killewald made 48 saves for Minnesota, who have not lost since their trip to Dartmouth. Killewald held UNH to a goal in each game, which is usually good enough for the Gophers to win.
“Killer had a great weekend,” said Minnesota coach Laura Halldorson. “In addition, our other players, both defense and forwards, made a strong commitment to playing solid defense in front of her. Our defensive play has picked up ever since we had that close game with the U.S. National Team.”
Like Dartmouth, Minnesota’s goals came from many different faces and all three forward lines. Rookie winger La Toya Clarke scored in each game while Nadine Muzerall, Kris Scholz and Tracy Palinsky also found the back of the net.
The Wildcats have their work cut out for them with games at No. 5 Harvard and No. 6 Brown this weekend while the Gophers will try not to look ahead to the looming series at No. 2 Minnesota-Duluth next month as they travel to Bemidji State for a pair of games this weekend.
Predictions
Wednesday, January 31
Boston College at #9 Northeastern – The Huskies will have a chance to improve their offense against the Eagles. Northeastern, 4-0
Friday-Saturday, February 2-3
Cornell at St. Cloud – The Huskies are young but improving. St. Cloud, 4-3, 3-2
#3 Minnesota at Bemidji State – The Gophers are gearing up for the home stretch. Minnesota, 5-1, 5-2
Mankato State at Ohio State – The Buckeyes are still angry after the overtime debacles at Wisconsin. Ohio State, 4-2, 3-1
Saturday-Sunday, February 3-4
#2 Minnesota-Duluth at #7 Wisconsin – The Bulldogs did not enjoy losing to the Badgers at home early in the season. UMD, 4-2, 5-2
Niagara at #4 St. Lawrence – Rachel Barrie should build her usual impenetrable screen around the Saints’ crease. St. Lawrence, 3-1, 4-2
Saturday, February 3
Maine at #6 Brown – For these Bears, brown is better than black. Brown, 3-1
#8 New Hampshire at #5 Harvard – The Crimson is eager to get back from exams. Harvard, 3-2
Yale at #1 Dartmouth – This will be an excruciating road trip for the Elis. Dartmouth, 8-1
Princeton at Boston College – Andrea Kilbourne should have a field day in Chestnut Hill. Princeton, 4-1
Sunday, February 4
Maine at #5 Harvard – The experience of the Crimson will make life rough on the Bears. Harvard, 5-2
Princeton at #1 Dartmouth – The Big Green is too deep for the Tigers. Dartmouth, 3-1
Yale at Boston College – Last place is on the line in this one. Boston College, 3-2
#5 Harvard at Boston College – The Crimson should advance to the Beanpot final easily, where it will most certainly meet Northeastern. Harvard, 10-1
