A four-goal flurry in the first period propelled the Harvard women's hockey team to a 5-2 win at Princeton's Baker Rink Saturday afternoon.

With the victory, the Crimson avenged a 5-0 blanking by the Tigers earlier this season at Bright Hockey Center. In winning its third game in a row, Harvard has upped its record to 5-5-1 for the season and 2-3 against Ivy League competition.

"The first period set the pace for the rest of the game," junior forward Jenny Duval said. "The first couple of goals got us excited about winning and made us intent on holding the lead."

The Crimson got on the board early, as sophomore Casi Walker beat Tiger goaltender Tammy Orlow 3:51 into the first period. Freshmen linemates Jen Gerometta and Alice DuBois assisted on the tally.

"That line played really well," co-captain Ellen Frump said. "They scored three of our five goals, working hard, digging for loose pucks in the corners and pinning their men into the boards."

A Princeton power-play goal after a cross-checking penalty on junior Christa Calagione evened the score at 1-1 some eight minutes later, but a lucky break put Harvard back in the lead shortly after.

Battling for the puck in the offensive zone, Harvard lost control and a Princeton defender attempted to clear by firing the puck up the ice. Duval was in the way, however, and instead of zooming towards the Harvard net, the puck wound up in the Princeton goal. Though Frump and freshman Kyle Walsh were credited with assists on the tally, the Crimson can thank its lucky stars for the score.

"We've been working really hard this season, but luck just hasn't been on our side," Frump said. "Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come."

It certainly seemed to be, at least for the remainder of the first period.

Gerometta and fellow freshman Catherine Kreindler also scored in the opening stanza to widen the Crimson's advantage to 4-1.

"The freshmen have a big role on this team," Gerometta said. "We played really well as a group Saturday, and I think that bodes well for the future."

Following a scoreless second period, Princeton showed signs of life, taking just 1:08 to get on the board in the third. Tiger captain Karen Chernisky slid the puck past Crimson netminder Jen Bowdoin (19 saves) to pull the home team to within two goals.

The game was put out of reach a few minutes later, though, as Gerometta notched her second goal of the game to provide the final margin of victory.

"Now we know what it feels like to win a big game," Gerometta said. "So next time, we'll want it even more."

Next time will be Saturday, January 6, as Harvard hosts Quebec-Three Rivers for an exhibition game.