Copy Coppage's goal in the first fifteen seconds nudged unbeaten Eliot over previously undefeated Lowell, 3-2, in an interhouse hockey game last night at Watson rink. The score thwarted a Lowell comeback and left Eliot the undisputed leader in interhouse hockey.

After initial scores by Eliot's Pat Grant and Jeff Schmidt, Lowell started clicking. Back-to-back scores off the sticks of Jon Smart and Billy Jacques tied the score 2-2 four minutes from the end. But Coppage's line shot dashed any hopes of upset.

The game was considered "crucial." In pre-season and early season action, both Eliot and Lowell crushed opponents by five and ten points.

"They just had better skaters, better shots, and better depth," said Lowell coach. George Olive, Eliot's Jeff Schmidt agreed. "We outshot them. We have several former JV and freshmen team members," he said. "That experience helps." Schmidt especially praised the goaltending of Dave Moulton.

The interhouse hockey season has just begun, but Eliot's pre-season record indicates they could soon put the championship on ice.