MIDDLEBURY WINS FIFTH CONSECUTIVE ECAC CHAMPIONSHIP

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. - The Middlebury College women's ice hockey team captured its fifth consecutive ECAC title with a 5-1 win over Colgate.

Middlebury has now won all five ECAC Division III Championships with a combined record of 92-0. The game was played before a women's arena record of 772 as the Panthers improved their home winning streak to 39 games.

With the win, Middlebury advances to play the winner of the Western Division III league for the National Championship on March 24-25th at Northeastern University.

Colgate jumped out to a 1-0 lead at the 8:50 mark as Lauren Pufahl pounced on a rebound after a save by Beth Denoncourt of a Toby Mandel shot.

Middlebury tied the game with 1:41 left in the period as Sylvia Ryan put home a rebound after a scramble in front of the net. The Panthers took a 2-1 \lead only 13 seconds into the third period when Michelle Labbe centered a pass from the corner that Ryan one-timed into the back of the net from the near slot.

The lead increased to 3-1 when Ryan completed the hat trick asshe poked home a loose puck in the crease. With the goal, Ryan tallied her 200th career point. Amber Neil and Ryan added two late goals to make the final score 5-1.

Denoncourt made 13 saves in goal for Middlebury, while Jen Burtraw made 32 saves for Colgate.

2000 ECAC Division III Women's Hockey All-Tournament Team

Cindy Acropolis Rensselear
Cara Shortsleeve Williams
Jen Burtraw Colgate
Lauren Pufahl Colgate
Catherine Elkins Middlebury
Michelle Labbe Middlebury

Catherine Pullins/Sylvia Ryan Middlebury Co-MVP's