Womens Hockey, Second Place
������������ By Gary Braham�� 3-5-2000
Colgate womes hockey finished second place in the post season tournament to Middlebury.� Colgate also finished second in the regular season.� For Colgate, it was the culmination of an incredible season.� Last year we had 5 ECAC losses and missed out on the playoffs alltogether.� This year our only regular season Div 3 ECAC loss came to Middlebury.
�� The regular season's beginning gave no hint of how far we would go this year.� We were predicted to finish in the middle of the ECAC.� It wasn't until January when we started putting together great games against quality opponents that people started to see this teams potential.� Colgate would have tight games, but thanks to Jen Burtraw, and a great Colgate defense, Colgate was able to keep the other teams to just a few goals, and sometimes none, a game.� Heather Murphy led the teams offensive game, and veteren Charollette Davet, proved to be very valuble as well.�
�� Colgate's first opponent of the post season would be Sacred Heart.� Sacred Heart was coming to Colgate, after Colgate posted a 5-0 win at Sacred Heart during the regular season.� It was a great sendoff for Colgate.� Both teams played very tough, Colgate finally got the first goal 5 minutes into the second.� The game continued fast and furious, but Colgate would strike again in the third.� And then control the rest of the game.� Jen Burtraw recorded another shutout.
�� The semi finals were held at Middlebury, and our opponent was Williams.� During the regular season, both teams played very well, but Colgate had a deciding advantage on the scoreboard.� The goaltending made the difference in this game.� Both teams had great chances, both had good defense, it was a great game.� In the end, it was a breakaway goal by Lauren Pufahl in the second that made the difference.� A 1-0 win was enough to get us to our first finals ever, and get rookie Jen Butraw shutout number 9.
�� The finals were played before a record womens hockey Div 3 crowd.� Middlebury had beaten Colgate 9-0 in the regular season.� Colgate's only goal was scored again by Pufalh, to give the Red Raiders an early lead.� Colgate held off Middlebury all period, and finally gave up one at the end of the first.� The entire second was back and forth with neither team scoring.� Butraw was able to fend off some great shots as well.� Middlebury broke the tie early in the third.� That would open the gates to several other goals and an eventual 5-1 win and ECAC title for Middlebury.�
�� Colgates accomplisments were recognized.� Coach Wisner was all of womens hockey Division 3 coach of the year, and Heather Murphy was an all American.� Despite only one league loss, and 9 shutouts, Jen Butraw was not named as the all-ECAC first line goalie, second line goalie, or freshman goalie.�
�� Colgate will be returning several key offensive and defensive players.� Butraw will only be a sophomore, Heather Murphy will be a Junior, and several key defensemen will be returing as well.� I believe this will be our final season at division 3.� Meanwhile, Middlebbury will not move up, despite winning the title the past 5 years and having a 92-0 ECAC record.� Next year the Colgate- Middlebury confrontation should take place at Starr rink.� It's going to be one to watch.� Colgate has a season to be remembered.� We were ranked as high as 2nd in the nation for all of Div 3.� Congradulations.