In what has been a topsy-turvy season so far, the women's hockey team has depended on its first line for big goals at critical times.
Last weekend's action might set the Tigers on an upward course. Princeton defeated St. Cloud State twice by one-goal margins to improve its record to 4-5-1 overall, and the Tigers were keyed by outstanding play from their top unit.
"We really jelled this weekend in Minnesota," senior forward and assistant captain Abbey Fox said.
"[The line] has more experience," head coach Jeff Kampersal '92 said, "and all of them can skate well and score goals."
The line consists of Fox, junior center and captain Andrea Kilbourne and sophomore forward Nikola Holmes.
Princeton scored nine goals in two games against the Huskies, and Kilbourne, known for a strong work ethic, was on the ice for all but one of them. The junior notched three goals and five assists. Kilbourne's biggest goal came when she found the back of the cage in overtime to give Princeton a 4-3 decision in the second game of the series.
"Andrea has some international experience, and that's helped us out a lot," Kampersal said.
The Tigers also receive a big boost from Fox, who uses her experience and speed to Princeton's benefit on the ice. The senior scored two goals against SCSU, including the Tigers' first of the weekend, and notched four assists.
'Over the hump'
"When our line is on, we're on," Fox said. "There is some pressure on us to score goals, but when we get over the hump of that thought and we relax and play with confidence, we tend to see results."
The other member of the top line was also hot-handed against the Huskies. Holmes netted the game-winning score to give Princeton the first game and added an assist in the same contest.
What makes the Tigers' first line such a threat?
Speed, a knack for goals at the right time and experience all play a part in the unit's success.
"We really try to capitalize on our speed as a line," Fox said. "When we do that, we can play with anybody."
"I'd say that I have speed," Holmes said, "and Kilbourne's good with the puck and can go through and around people, and Abbey is really feisty."
When one of the members starts to get hot, the others feed off the energy that is created.
"If someone is just going crazy, it definitely helps us out," Holmes said.
Pace setter
Princeton will need its top line to score goals and provide leadership against Eastern College Athletic Conference rival Providence at 2 p.m. Saturday at Baker Rink. The No. 9 Friars (10-2-1 overall, 6-2-1 ECAC) played the Tigers to a hard-fought 4-4 tie Nov. 5 in Rhode Island. Kilbourne scored two goals, pacing Princeton.
"They're a similar team to us," Kampersal said. "They have a solid core of players and play systematic. Last time, we made two big mistakes against them, and that cost us a win."
Comparison
Princeton's two-game winning streak pales in comparison to the Friars' seven-game run, and the Tigers need all the wins they can get in the ECAC. Princeton is currently 2-5-1 in conference play (4-5-1 overall), but it hopes that the two emotional victories over SCSU can provide an important boost.
"We need to work on getting good shots and converting on the power play," Kampersal said.
The line of Fox, Holmes and Kilbourne goes a long way toward solving the problems that have pestered Princeton this season. If the momentum from Minnesota carries over to Saturday, the Tigers' schizophrenic season may be headed in the right direction again.
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