Stickwomen Extend Win Streak to Four

If the Harvard field hockey team's perfect record hadn't sent a clear message to the rest of the Ivy League, yesterday's home game against Holy Cross did.

The Crusaders rolled onto Cumnock Field on the crest of a three-game winning streak. But Loren Ambinder helped take care of that streak, scoring two goals and two assists in a 6-1 Harvard victory.

"Holy Cross was 6-1, carrying lots of momentum and scoring a lot," Harvard Coach Sue Caples said. "They're a big hitting team. We had to keep to our style, a passing game, and not get drawn in to their type of game. We're not a polished team yet."

If not polished, Harvard has begun to shine. The first minutes set the tone for the rest of the game. Junior midfielder Kristen Fowler carried the ball up the length of the field several times and, combined with solid passing by her teammates, set up several scoring oportunities.

Holy Cross' lack of success in clearing the ball helped Harvard to maintain pressure on the Crusaders' goal. Play was continuously in the visitor's end, and Harvard came close to tallying as junior Becky Gaffney hit the post off a corner just over seven minutes into the first half.

But the first score didn't come until 19 minutes into the first half on an unassisted goal by junior Loren Ambinder. However, the chances were there, and talented junior Sandra Whyte rocketed a beautifully set-up shot off a corner play with two-and-one-half minutes remaining in the period. Harvard's superior team speed and relentless midfield defense were apparent throughout the half.

The second half was much of the same, with Harvard dominating all over the field. The visitors did surprise Harvard on a quick chance by sophomore Lisa O'Neill to cut the Crimson's lead to 2-1. But within the next minute, juniors Ambinder and Fowler stormed back up the field, setting up sophomore Rachel Burke with some beautiful passing and finesse play.

With just over five minutes left, a Holy Cross player caught a shot as it was going into the net, setting up a penalty shot. Prolific scorer Whyte flipped the subsequent penalty into the upper right corner past diving goalie Maura Policelli, who had no chance on the play.

"I just knew where to put it," Whyte said. "I practice the shot and usually look for the same spot."

NOTEBOOK: The Crimson's next game is against perennial powerhouse UConn tommorow at Cumnock Field...The defense was particularly impressive yesterday, as Co-Captain Ceci Clark and the rest of the squad limited Holy Cross to five shots. "I think we have a great chance," Coach Caples said. "We're very strong at every position, and have great depth. We will match up well against any team we face this year."

Crimson, 6-1 at Cumnock Field Holy Cross  0-1--1 HARVARD  2-4--6

Scoring: H, Loren Ambinder (unassisted), 15:43; H, Sandra Whyte (Ambinder, Ceci Clark), 32:27; HC, Lisa O'Neill (unassisted), 40:23; H, Rachel Burke (Ambinder, Kristen Fowler), 45:56; H, Ambinder (Anne van Dykum), 56:23; H, Whyte (unassisted), 64:18; H, van Dykum (unassisted), 66:33.

Saves: HC, Maura Policelli 23; H, Lisa Yadao 2.