The Colby Echo

Issue date: 2/25/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Tate Kaneshige

The Colby women's ice hockey team has reason to celebrate after a successful weekend of competition in Providence, Rhode Island. The team played Trinity College, ranked third in the New England Small College Athletic Conference, twice, each game crucial to the Mules' playoff picture. Senior co-captain Heather Nickerson emphasized the importance of these games, saying "This upcoming weekend against Trinity is huge for us. It's the last NESCAC weekend and out place in the standings will be determined by the outcomes of these games…We are entirely focused on taking the weekend one game at a time."

Friday's contest resulted in a hard-fought 6-4 loss, highlighted by a goal apiece for Becky Julian '09, co-captain Colette Finley '09 and two from Liz Osgood '11. However, the team put the loss behind them and took full advantage of their chance for vengeance the following night, pulling off a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory. Colby was down 1-0 with less than five minutes remaining in the game and home ice advantage in the playoffs on the line: a loss would force Colby to play their quarterfinal match on the road. The team roared to life, sparked by a goal from Marissa Simmons '12. Under two minutes later, Finley gave the Mules their first lead of the game. Trinity soon proved they could rival the Mules in intensity, however, and tied the game with 1:35 remaining on the clock. Julian sealed the comeback two minutes into overtime.

The victory gives Colby the fourth seed in the NESCAC tournament. They will play their in-state rivals, the fifth-ranked Bowdoin College Polar Bears, at the Alfond Arena this Saturday, February 28th, at 4:00. In spite of the possibility of winning the NESCAC championship, the players are keeping their focus going into the postseason.

"It is important for us to keep focus on the little things and not get distracted by the bigger picture," Nickerson said. "The win...gave us some momentum heading into the weekend and with hard work we look forward to continuing on in playoffs."

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