SWISS SCORE FIRST WIN WITH 6-2 TRIUMPH OVER RUSSIA

by Heather McIntyre

With both teams looking for their first win of the 2008 IIHF World Women’s Under-18 Championship in their last round-robin game, Russia came out of the gate strong, dominating the first period against Switzerland, but eventually dropped a 6-2 decision.

Swiss goaltender Sophie Anthamatten was solid in net through the first 20 minutes, making 18 saves, and Swiss Player of the Game Anja Stiefel jammed in a rebound off a point shot from Monika Waidacher at 16:27, putting the Swiss ahead up 1-0 heading into the first intermission.

Momentum continued to shift the way of the Swiss after the Russians took four straight penalties in the opening half of the second period, and Nina Waidacher and Fabiola Bachmann both counted powerplay goals, giving the Swiss some breathing room at 3-0.

Russian goaltender Anna Vinogradova was relieved by Julia Leskina following the Swiss’ third goal, and the Russians responded within minutes when Ekaterina Ananyina banged home a pass from Julia Vasyukova at 14:46 to cut the Swiss lead to two at 3-1.

But the Swiss regained their three-goal lead before the end of the middle frame, as Sara Benz got her team’s fourth goal with five minutes to go.

Russia regrouped during the second intermission and was rewarded early in the final 20 minutes when Player of the Game Olga Sosina scored at the 2:10 mark, cutting the Swiss’ lead to 4-2.

But the Russians couldn’t apply any more pressure on the Swiss net, and a pair of goals from Sandra Thalmann in the final five minutes sealed the deal for the Swiss, who will face Finland on Friday in a placement game.

The Russians will meet either the Czech Republic or Germany in a placement game on Friday as well; their opponent will be decided following the conclusion of Wednesday night’s action.