Cookie Monster: Princeton 3, Robert Morris 2

Kelly Cooke

After coming back from their exam period, the Tigers kicked off their second half with a nice win over Robert Morris, in the two teams' first-ever meeting. Princeton dominated the first two period, and held off the Colonials, who seemed to awaken in the third period, to hang on for a 3-2 victory.

The Tigers struck first, with a shot by Kelly Cooke going off of the Colonial goalie's mask, the rebound slapped in by Danielle DiCesare. In the second period, the Tigers moved up two-zip when Rose Alleva fired in a shot from the face off circle.

Later in the period, Robert Morris pulled within one when Rachel Weber seemed frozen on a shot that sailed past her stick shoulder. Weber makes so many great saves that it seemed odd she'd let one go that was so easy. But the Tigers got the goal back when Ali Pankowski slapped a power play goal in from the slot.

The Tigers out shot the Colonials 23-12 in the first two periods, but Robert Morris, perhaps shaking off the effects of a long bus ride, woke up in the third period, and out shot the Tigers 12-6. On a power play, Colonials' forward Rebecca Vint charged through the zone like a bulldozer, and her shot went off Weber's pads right to Thea Imbrogo, who had an easy goal.

The Tigers managed to hold on for the win, though it wasn't easy. With only a minute and a half to go, Heather Landry was whistled for interference, and RMU pulled their goalie and had a 6-4 advantage. But the Tigers killed that off (they also did the same to 54 seconds of 5 x 3 to begin the second period).

There were lots of positive signs. For one, that the Tigers racked up two power play goals is terrific, as this was one of the weaker parts of their game. And though she only had one assist, I give the game puck to Cooke, who seemed to be everywhere at once, always around the puck. Cooke, or Cookie as she is known to the fans, seems to hover above the ice like a water bug. She's only five-foot one, but plays with a lot of heart.

While the Tigers were on winter break they fell in the standings to seventh, so they will need one of their usual second-half winning streaks if they have any hope of home ice in the playoffs. A playoff spot, barring a complete collapse, seems assured, but they have some tough games ahead. This weekend they visit Dartmouth and Harvard, and then will end the season with four games at home.