BOSTON--As the Harvard men's hockey team enters the home stretch of its 1999-2000 season, senior netminder J.R. Prestifilippo has earned himself a spot as one of the better goaltenders in the ECAC.

Unfortunately, his career records of 0-5 in both the Beanpot tournament and against cross-town rival Boston University, have not been among his finer moments. The record includes a 4-0 defeat to No. 3 B.U. last night.

But it's certainly not for lack of trying.

Realizing that he had one final chance to down the Terriers and claim bragging rights in the Beantown battle, Prestifilippo turned in an outstanding individual performance.

"Prestifilippo played very well and has done an exceptional job this year," Harvard Coach Mark Mazzoleni said. "He was the reason we were close, and allowed us to stay in the game."

Earning the reputation as a big-game goalie, Prestifilippo has risen to the occasion countless times throughout his career.

But against B.U., one of the nation's premiere college squads, stopping 30 quality shots was simply not enough to end the Terriers' hunt for their sixth consecutive Beanpot championship.

A typically poor Crimson defense was unable to stave off a relentless B.U. offense and the Terriers came gunning for Prestifilippo early in the first period.