HC women's hockey team icing opponents at 10-1-2.

Byline: Jay Gearan

WORCESTER - The Holy Cross women's hockey team is enjoying a terrific season. Coached by Peter Van Buskirk, the Crusaders are 10-1-2 overall and 7-1 in the ECAC East Conference.

After winning their opening seven games, Holy Cross tied Bowdoin and won three of its next five around a tie to Connecticut College and a loss to Norwich. Last week, the Crusaders notched their 10th victory, defeating Salve Regina, 6-2.

Among the outstanding players on the Crusaders team is Francesca Panarelli, a talented freshman defensive player.

"Francesca is a very good player for us, strong and aggressive. She starts in all our games and is one of our top freshman players," said Van Buskirk. "I'm happy we have her on our team."

Panarelli, the daughter of Frank and Pamela Panarelli of Shrewsbury, played four seasons of varsity ice hockey at the Middlesex School in Concord and was captain in her junior and senior years. She also played for the Assabet Valley club team, which won national championships in 2006 and 2008.

Through 13 games in her first season with the Crusaders, Panarelli has one goal and nine assists for 10 points.

"I love it here," said Panarelli, who is majoring in psychology. "At first, I wondered if I wanted to go to college so close to home, but I fell in love with the school and it's been a dream come true. It's academically very challenging, but having hockey to balance everything helps me stay on a set schedule."

Panarelli was only 4 when she began skating. At first, on figure skates. But not for long.

"After one day, it was like, absolutely not. What's this toe-pick business? I don't want the figure skates, give me the black skates," recalled Panarelli with a laugh.

And after only a part of a season at the Buffone Rink's beginners program at the Lake Avenue facility, she moved up the ranks quickly, and was soon playing in a 10-year-old division as a 5-year old.

Throughout her hockey career, Panarelli has always loved...