University of Maine
New Hampshire
UNH Holds Off Black Bear Sweep
1/30/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Ice Hockey
DURHAM, N.H. -- Following Saturday afternoon's historic win at the Whittemore Center in Durham, N.H., Maine was denied in their second straight upset bid of rival, New Hampshire. The University of Maine was again, led by Danielle Ward (Lansing, Mich.), who scored two goals for the Black Bears for the second straight game. However, Ward's efforts would not be enough, as the Wildcats were able to rely on a play maker of their own. Kristina Lavoie paced New Hampshire with a career high three points including a goal of her own and two assists.
The action got started deep into the first period when Ward was able to find the back of the net after receiving a direct pass from Kayla Kalunzy (Calgary, Alberta) who advanced herself beside the net,drawing attention away from Ward. Kalunzy then dropped her pass back to Ward in the slot.
After the first intermission, UNH managed to regain their composure and put a stop to Maine's recently found success against the Wildcats. New Hampshire came out of the gates firing and built a 12-5 shot advantage for the period, and more importantly, a 2-1 lead going into the final frame. Lavoie evened the score at one a piece when she was able to convert an extremely difficult backhand wraparound goal from behind the net and beyond the outstretched reach of Maine goaltender, Brittany Ott (St. Clair Shores, Mich.).
New Hampshire then gave the game its final lead change as Hannah Armstrong stole the puck from a Maine defender at the left point and wriggled her way through another defender across the slot and deked Ott, just before lobbing the puck into the top shelf.
UNH would then build on their lead by converting a power play opportunity just minutes into the third period. After an initial shot by Courtney Birchard was blocked by a Maine defender, Lavoie picked up the rebound and alertly slid a pass cross ice to Courtney Sheary who was able to beat Ott up high to extend the 'Cats lead to 3-1. New Hampshire was able to tack on another goal by Kristine Horn at 7:05 to put the game seemingly out of reach.
Maine was able to muster up one last ditch effort as they pulled Ott in favor of an additional skater and then a power play at 9:44 granted the 'Bears a two skater advantage in total. At 11:38 while still holding a two skater advantage, Ward managed to bang home her second of the game and fourth of the two game series. Jennie Gallo (Castlegar, British Columbia) and Kelly McDonald (Ancaster, Ontario) were credited with assists on the play.
However, the momentum that the Black Bears had just gained was quickly severed as they were whistled for a tripping penalty with 2:51 remaining. After the penalty, Maine had no gas left in the tank and ended their effort two goals short of their border rivals.
As the final score of the game suggests, UNH seemed to nudge out the 'Bears in most crucial areas of the game. UNH led in shots on goal; 28-19, and power play percentage; .200-.143.
Maine will next hit the ice when they return to the Alfond to host the University of Vermont for a single game, Saturday night at 5:00 pm.
-U-M-
