Friday’s game against Clarkson (10-4-2, 3-3-0 ECAC) could be a battle of defenses. Golden Knights goalie Stephanie Hansen has a save percentage of 91.7 — No. 15 in the nation — and an average of only 1.6 goals allowed per game.

But the Bulldogs (3-3-2, 3-3-1)have some defensive power of their own. Veteran Eli goaltender Shivon Zilis ’08 is ranked No. 22 in the country, with a save percentage of 90.8, and rookie netminder Jackie Snikeris ’11 — who splits time with Zilis — has already turned in some impressive performances, including a 31-save shutout of Brown earlier in the year.

Yale’s defense will be called upon again Saturday when the Saints take to the ice. No. 5 St. Lawrence (9-3-0, 5-1-0) is fourth in the nation in scoring offense, with 4.15 goals per game, and in power play percentage, at 24.4 percent — powerful but not insurmountable statistics, captain and defenseman Ann-Renee Guillemette ’08 said.

“Both Clarkson and St. Lawrence have very strong individual players,” she said. “But in the end it is the team effort that counts. We can win because when we play strong and as a team, we dominate the ice.”

-Monica Mark