RallyNorth.net

Beverly off to good start

Thursday, December, 20 By Matt Williams
Staff writer

Beverly has been everything advertised and then some, sprinting out to a 3-1-0 start with an eye-popping aggregate score of 23-4. One of the biggest reasons for their success has been the play of senior captain Rachel Konaxis, who has taken on a new role as playmaker this season.

Konaxis came into the season with 70 career points and a career high of 13 assists in 2005-06. Through just four games this winter, she already has 12 helpers and leads all North Shore girls skaters with 16 points.

"We talked a little bit about that because in the past she's been our big scorer but this year her role has changed and she's much more of a playmaker," said Beverly coach Fiona Rice. "A point is a point."

The Panthers have been as strong in the defensive end, with sophomore goalie Brianna Jackson conceding just three goals in the first four contests.

"We've won a few of the games easily but there have still been strong shots (against Jackson)," said Rice. "Sometimes there's a big lapse between them and she's been able to stay sharp and make the big saves."