Women's hockey to host Quinnipiac, New Hampshire

After a slow start to its season, the women's hockey team is finally coming into its own.

Last weekend, the Tigers (5-3-2, 3-2-0 Eastern College Athletic Conference-North Division) recorded two solid victories over Colgate and Cornell. The week before, Princeton captured a thrilling 3-2 overtime win against powerhouse Connecticut.

The current winning streak has revived the team and given the players confidence heading into one of the biggest weekends of the season. On Saturday, the Tigers host the Wildcats (10-2-1, 6-1-0 ECAC-Eastern), the fifth-ranked team in the nation, in a matchup that will pit Princeton's stifling defense against New Hampshire's potent offense. On Sunday, the team welcomes Quinnipiac (2-8-1, 0-6 ECAC-E) to Baker Rink.

Though the New Hampshire game will be a tough test, the Tigers are peaking at the right time and seem to be in a positive frame of mind.

"We are playing some of our best hockey right now," captain and senior forward Melissa Deland said. "We are putting 60 solid minutes together and everyone is playing more consistently."

One of the main reasons for the Tigers' recent success has been the play of netminders junior Sarah Ahlquist and sophomore Megan van Beusekom.

"Both goalies have been playing very well," head coach Jeff Kampersal '92 said. "Along with our four defensemen, the back line has been really strong."

"Our goalies have been playing extremely well," Deland added. "They have been the force behind some of our close wins. It seems that when they play well, the entire team plays well. That puts extra pressure on them, but they always respond."

The Tigers are going to need everyone, including the goalies, to step up Saturday if they are going to have a realistic chance against New Hampshire. With so many weapons to deal with, Princeton must be running on all cylinders.

"New Hampshire is a very solid team," Kampersal said. "They have great forwards, and a formidable defense. The game will truly be a tough test."

Kampersal refers to the remarkable first line of the Wildcats. Led by senior Kira Misikowetz, the front line that also consists of freshman Steph Jones and sophomore Carolyn Gordon has been one of the most prolific scoring lines in women's hockey this year. Sophomores Kristen Thomas and Allison Edgar anchor a deep defense and also offer offensive outlets to their forwards.

"Their defenders are great defenders," Kampersal said. "The tough thing about them is that either one can sneak up as a fourth attacker. They are very gifted players."

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To combat the speed and ability of New Hampshire, Princeton will try to keep the Wildcats' forwards out of the middle and force them to the outside.

Despite being the underdog, the Tigers feel that they have a great opportunity. Helping their confidence is last week's result, when New Hampshire split a pair of games with UConn. Princeton has already beaten the Huskies this year.

"Going in, we know we can win," Deland said. "We need to play 60 minutes of good hockey. If we play up to our potential, we can come away with a victory."

Although the Tigers are primed for Saturday's game, they are being careful not to overlook Quinnipiac. Despite Quinnipiac's less-than-stellar record, Princeton will not approach the game lightly.

"What makes a good team great is taking caring of business when you should," Kampersal said. "We can't take anything for granted. We can't afford any letdowns."

"Every game is important to us," Deland added. "We have to focus on one game at a time. Everything else should take care of itself."