Harvard women's hockey knew they faced a battle in Sunday's game against Brown and came prepared with heart.
But heart wasn't enough, as the Bears overpowered the Crimson, 7-1, on Saturday at Bright Hockey Center.
Brown's 12-3-3 record was indicative of their skill and speed from defense to offense. While Brown's key players characterized their team with explosive speed and shot power throughout each quarter, Harvard's women, as a unit, defined their game with methodical passing and less offensive leadership, though freshman forward Jen Gerometta added spice with her quickness and spirit.
Brown took control from the beginning of the first period, netting two goals, the first on a power play and the second on a fast break.
But the Crimson, down only two goals going into the first intermission, realized they needed to assert themselves on the ice.
"We expected to play to get the puck and make an impact," Harvard coach Katey Stone said.
Harvard started making this impact felt in the second period with a more aggressive offense.
Though Brown pushed in another goal on a rebound from Harvard sophomore goalie Jen Bowdoin 3:26 into the second period, Harvard's women stayed strong and answered 23 seconds later with a tenacious goal by freshman Gerometta, who followed up junior Christa Calagione's shot from the left faceoff circle.
However, the Crimson offense couldn't maintain the momentum.
Harvard's defense did a good job of clearing the puck from the zone, but the forwards were unable to finish it with a goal.
"We kept up with them well but had trouble putting the puck in net," freshman forward Jen Gerometta said.
Brown iced the contest with four goals in the last twelve minutes of the game. Though Harvard had heart, the team tired while Brown remained powerful.
Brown's fifth goal came from the stick of Katie King, who roofed a slapshot from the left point into the upper right corner of the net.
Despite the loss, the Crimson was pleased with the effort.
"Brown could have destroyed us, but they didn't," Stone said. "We battled for the seven goals, and I'm pleased with their effort." First Period Bro--Kellar (King, Hoakenson) 15:39. (PPG) Bro--King (Gorton, Abel), 18:44. Second Period Bro--Deering (Hoakenson) 3:26. Har--Gerometta (Calagione) 3:53. Third Period Bro--Deering (King) 7:35. (PPG) Bro--King (unassisted) 9:58. (SHG) Bro--Gorton (King, Solari) 17:25. (PPG) Bro--Kellar (Gorton, Solari) 18:07. Saves: Bro--Witchger 8-8-11 27; Har--Bowdoin 13-12-17 42. Power Play: Bro--3/7; Har--0/9. Attendance: 120
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