The girls’ varsity ice hockey team hit the road for a Friday evening game against a powerful Brooks squad. With two almost identical season records, Middlesex took to the ice ready to battle from goal line to goal line.
Brooks took control of the first 10:00 of the period, catching the visiting team off guard with their tremendous speed and aggressive rushes to the net. Despite having the momentum of the game in the hosting team's favor however, the Zebras were able to get on the scoreboard first. With 4:50 remaining in the period, Maddie Winslow ’14 fed Jeanie Dwinell ’13 the puck at the point who fired her shot into traffic in front of the net to take the 1-0 lead. Though Brooks came away with the 15-4 advantage in shots on goal, the Bishops came up empty against Christina Cleroux ’14.
Middlesex turned the tides in the second period as they started to poise a more offensive threat. After several opportunities, the Zebras were finally rewarded for the efforts when Eleanor Knutzen ’13 served Leah Olson ’15 a pass at the point. Olson wasted no time in putting her shot on net where Cici Frattasio ’14 was waiting for the tip in. The Zebras killed off two penalties before the period came to a close and entered the locker room with the two-goal advantage.
The Bishops continued to outshoot the Zebras in the third period but Christina Cleroux stood firm in net. With 2:00 remaining in the period however, Brooks pulled their goaltender for the player up advantage and capitalized on a loose puck just off the right post. With 1:21 remaining in the period, a penalty was called on Middlesex and Brooks took to the ice with the 6-4 advantage. The Zebras were able to hold their ground however and ultimately skated away with the hard-fought 2-1 win.
Christina Cleroux tuned in a 39 save performance, while Sarah Tabeek ’14, Isabel Krietler ’13, Ashley Arnold ’13, Brooke Gary ’14, Olson, Knutzen, and Frattasio had equally as compelling performances on the penalty kill.
The Zebras (12-5-1) will look to continue their winning ways against Southfiled on Saturday, February 16 at 1:30pm.
