UNH Garners Eastern Crown

A a certain point in an outstanding team's history, the program may be termed a dynasty. If the University of New Hampshire women's hockey team has not reached dynasty status yet, the Wildcats are certainly close.

Powered by freshman Laurie Hutchinson's two second-period goals. UNH defeated Providence College, 7-4, to earn its second consecutive Eastern Regional Hockey Championship Saturday night in Durham.

Since the EAIAW is the only region which holds a hockey tournament (the Midwest has four varsity teams), UNH is effectively national champion. After four years of varsity status and this season's perfect 22-0 record, the Wildcats boast an awesome 71-0-1 ledger.

The Friars, who finished the season at 20-5 for their second straight silver medal, gave the defending champs an early scare, jumping to a quick 2-1 lead. But in front of 1500 screaming hometown fans, UNH battled back with two goals in 31 seconds to tie the contest at three as the first-period buzzer sounded.

Hutchinson's pair in the middle stanza, including a shorthanded breakaway goal at 6:05, put the game on ice.

In the consolation final. Beanpot champion Boston University made area fans proud by dumping Colby College, 3-2, to garner third-place honors. Debbie Gautereau's two tallies paced Lee Hunsaker's Terriers.