BY ASHLEY ACOSTA
Feature Editor
Hard work, focus, and determination are three characteristics that describe this year’s Saint Mary’s University women’s hockey team.
Their efforts were rewarded by returning to theMinnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) hockey tournament for the first time in three years, with a first-round playoff game at home against a familiar foe — St. Olaf College.
“With this playoff berth, the team really proved to themselves that they can go out and compete with anyone, and I am happy their hard work was rewarded,” said Head Coach Terry Mannor.
Ironically, the team that the Cardinals faced during the opening first-round of the playoffs was the team that SMU needed to beat to clinch a 2010 playoff position.
Last weekend during the final scheduled series of the regular season, SMU found themselves needing to win both games against St. Olaf to advance to the playoffs. Their playoff hopes were kept alive with a 1-1 tie against the Oles. The next day, SMU clinched the fourth seed in the MIAC standings in the last regular season game with a 1-0 victory. The Cardinals then lost to the Oles 3- 1 to end their playoff run. Mannor, the 14 year coaching veteran, credits the team’s regular season success to its strong characteristics. “This team is the most enjoyable team I have ever coached,” said Mannor. “They work hard, all share one common goal, and are very driven.”
The Cardinals’ success can be attributed to not only their drive but also their focus, which began long before the on ice season.
“The change in our attitude really made a difference, and what we accomplished this season actually started during off-ice practice and carried over,” said senior defenseman Sara Eisenhauer. “We wanted to be ready and get in shape and build from where we left off last year.” The success of Mannor’s team also brings an encouraging atmosphere to the SMU campus.
“It is not only positive for the team, but also the athletic department,” said Eisenhauer, “Students on campus are excited about it, and the athletic department and the school as a whole can really build off that energy to show people that SMU can compete.” The accomplishments of this season also positively affect the women’s hockey program. “After we earned our playoff spot, I received a number of emails from girls who are interested in joining the hockey team here,” said Mannor. “Most of them start off mentioning or congratulating us on our playoff berth.With the team’s success, it really sparks interest of recruits because it shows we have a successful program.”
The team looks to take this year’s achievements to help improve for next year’s season.
“It gives our team another goal to try and obtain,” said Mannor. “It shows that we have to continue to work hard each year to maintain a strong program.”
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