Saturday, March 5, was one for the history books, as the University of Massachusetts Boston Women’s Ice Hockey team became the first ever conference championship team in program history. The lady Beacons not only took home the trophy, but they did so by completely shutting out their top seeded opponent, Norwich University, with a final score of 2-0.
Sophomore goalie and the first-ever tournament Most Valuable Player Rachel Myette marked her fourth shutout of the year in this UMass Boston victory. The Beacons gained their lead with a goal in the first period with 13:34 left on the clock made by senior Jenny Currie who was assisted by freshman Arielle Gallucci.
Myette kept a strong block against Norwich as they struggled to tie up the score in the second period. With Myette denying any attempts made by Norwich, the Beacons were able to gain their 2-0 lead at the 7:56 mark in the third period when junior Kayla Smith penetrated through Norwich’s goal from the face-off. Norwich was unable to respond and UMass Boston secured the history-making victory.
This contest took place in Northfield, Vermont, in the Kreitzberg Arena. Playing in the conference championship away from home was not the only challenge this team faced. Earlier in the season, head coach Lindsay Berman stepped in as the interim head coach for the ice hockey team. Even through adjusting to a new coach, the lady Beacons prevailed into a record-breaking season.
Senior Captain Alexandra Karlis explained this season as one she will remember forever. As a captain, she performs her job by making sure the team is ready to play while keeping herself as composed as possible in order to keep the girls relaxed and focused. “We feed off of each others’ energy so I try not to be too high strung for games. The main job is to make sure the team is ready and focused.”
Karlis mentioned how the season started off a little slow, which was to be expected with the new head coach adjustment, but that it’s been one of the most fun seasons she’s ever had. Through all the adversity they were able to roll with the punches and keep going. “I always dreamed of making it this far, but it didn’t quite become a reality until the second half of [the] season.”
With the conference championship win the lady Beacons are off to Middlebury, Vermont, on Saturday, March 12, to face Middlebury College in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Division III Tournament.
Karlis feels optimistic about this match up. “I feel good about Saturday’s game against Middlebury. We have exactly the people we need and the right mindset in order to keep this good thing going. We will prepare by continuing to do the little things and continue to play with the heart that got us here in the first place.”
Karlis also gave a lot of credit to her head and assistant coaches. “Berm and Wohlfy put a lot of confidence in us as players and as a team. They can see our potential and they made sure we know that we’re a good team and to not count ourselves out.”
Heading into the tournament, Coach Berman expects the same focus from her team as they face Middlebury, but also wants her team to seize the moment and to truly enjoy the overall experience, cherish it, and play with all their heart. Come March 12, the women’s hockey team will fight to the finish as they continue to make program history.