Tigers Spill Cliffe Field Hockey, 2-0

Beware of the Princeton Tigress.

The roar of the feline spelled doom for Radcliffe's undefeated field hockey team, as a spirited Princeton squad, inspired by a shining defensive performance of goalie Lisa Harrington, shut out the Cliffe, 2-0, in drizzly weather last Saturday in Princeton.

Harrington's presence made the Princeton goal impregnable, as she smothered 15 out of 15 Radcliffe shots.

"She was just fantastic," said Radcliffe coach Pippy O'Connor. "She was clearly their best player -- some of her saves were unbelievable."

Princeton coach and head of Princeton's women's physical education department Merrily Dean joined in praise of Harrington, calling the goalie's performance "her finest game."

The Radcliffe squad fought Princeton to a standoff until midway through the second 30-minute half, when Tiger right inner Emily Goodfellow caromed a powerful shot off the stick of 'Cliffe center half Nancy Soto which flew barely under the crossbar of the seven-fest not.

The goal, although debatably a dangerous that which is illegal in field hockey, was ruled fair by the two Philadelphian National players who efficiated the match.

Princeton struck again with five minutes left in the game, as Tiger sub Jane Kenney joined in a Princeton blitz on 'Cliffe goalie Barbie Matson and slapped in a loose ball from short range to put the Tigers out of reach, 2-0.

'Cliffe Peeps Out

The obvious inferiority of Radcliffe's physical condition was a key factor in the loss, as the Tiger girls simply outhustled the 'Cliffe in the second half. "We just pooped out," O'Conner said.

Radcliffe's fatigue, resulting from a lack of practice dating back to two weeks before the game, detracted from the usually crisp execution of the 'Cliffe's skills which had corned it a 3-0-3 record before the Princeton test.

The Tiger girls, however, were in good condition thanks to their heavy practice schedule in which they work alone four days a week and occassionally teams from local private schools.

"Princeton really came into the game well organized and ready to play," O'Conner explained. "They seemed to be more released and better propared than our girls. I felt we still played a good game, but they were just more up to it then we were."