Women's Hockey: Team opens play at Baker Rink

The Tigers face a tough first opponent in Northeastern. The Huskies are 4-0 so far after sweeping a season-opening four-game homestand. Northeastern’s first weekend of play featured a 5-2 win over Syracuse that featured eight different point scorers, as well as a 5-0 drubbing of Colgate for Huskies netminder Florence Schelling’s first shutout of the season.

The following weekend, Northeastern pulled out a close win against Union after forward Casey Pickett’s go-ahead goal with six minutes to go. The next day, the Huskies faced their first deficit of the season when Quinnipiac went ahead 1-0 in the second period, but Northeastern equalized and posted two more scores in the third period for a 3-1 win. Colgate, Union and Quinnipiac are all fellow ECAC Hockey members along with Princeton.

Niagara has struggled early in the season, though the team has shown some flashes of momentum lately. The Purple Eagles opened their season at home with a two-game series against New Hampshire. Despite a strong comeback in the first game led by forwards Jenna Hendrikx and Natasha Fryer, the Purple Eagles fell 6-4, and despite a similar comeback the next day, Niagara lost again to the Wildcats.

The Purple Eagles then traveled to No. 7 Boston University for another two-game series, and though the visitors held a 1-0 lead for most of the game, the Terriers scored three unanswered goals to win 3-1. The next day went similarly, as Niagara could not maintain a 2-1 lead, losing 5-2 to Boston University.

Niagara finally tasted victory the following weekend, sweeping two home games against Rensselaer. The first was a 5-4 thriller in overtime, with the game-winner coming on forward Kristin Richards’ penalty shot in the overtime frame. The second was another impressive performance, as Niagara rallied from a two-goal deficit, scoring three straight to win 3-2. Unfortunately for the Purple Eagles, they were unable to continue their momentum, allowing six consecutive goals to St. Lawrence on Tuesday in a 6-3 loss at home.

The Tigers only graduated three seniors this past year and return several key players. Sophomore forward Olivia Mucha will attempt to replicate last year’s success as the team’s leading scorer with 21 points on nine goals and 12 assists. Close behind were classmates Sally Butler, who had 19 points on nine goals and 10 assists, and Denna Laing, who notched 18 points on eight goals and 10 assists. Princeton has plenty of firepower on offense returning, with six players coming off seasons with at least 10 points.

The Tigers also have experience on the defense, featuring several returning players on the blue line. Senior defenseman Charissa Stadynk anchors the unit, with sophomores Rose Alleva and Gabie Figueroa providing key support. In goal, Princeton returns senior Rachel Weber, who started 24 out of 31 games last season and posted 1.77 goals against average per game and a .931 save percentage.

In order to open up their season positively and work toward a higher finish in the ECAC Hockey league this season, the Tigers will need to set the tone early with these non-conference contests. Princeton’s long league schedule ramps up quickly starting next weekend at Union and RPI.