Despite allowing the early goal, UNH controlled play for much of the first period. Although Harvard took advantage of occasional UNH turnovers, it was unable to create any sustained pressure in the Wildcat zone.

Instead, it was UNH that created offensive pressure late in the first period.

The Wildcats won three successive faceoffs in the Crimson zone--two by faceoff expert Michelle Thornton--resulting in several prime scoring opportunities.

UNH could not convert on any of its chances, however, partly due to impressive play by Ruddock.

Although the referee let both teams use physical play--no one was penalized for checking all game--UNH did not approach the extreme physical style used by other teams.

"We've played against a lot physically tougher and dirtier teams," Shewchuk said. "There are a lot of teams that just go out to hurt people." UNH's defense broke down toward the end of the period. Harvard finally got the break they were looking for, and the results were virtually identical.

Botterill again scored at 18:59, again from the left post, and again off of a pretty pass from Shewchuk. Despite being outshot in the period, Harvard took a 2-0 lead to the intermission.

The Crimson turned in an impressive defensive performance in the second period. Harvard held UNH to just four shots on goal, even while being shorthanded for four minutes midway through the period.