The women’s club hockey team faced a back-to-back loss over the weekend after travelling south to face Ohio State.
The ’Cats traveled to Columbus, Ohio to square off against OSU in back to back games starting Saturday, Jan. 19. The ’Cats were defeated 8-2 on Saturday against OSU.
“We played really well, we just couldn’t finish,” said sophomore winger Elle Fitzgerald. “I think the team overall performed as one. We worked hard together and kept trying. I would say it’s two of the best games we’ve played this season.”
The team has won two of their 14 games thus far.
“I don’t think there’s as much chemistry this season, but I do feel we have stronger players this season which helps us a lot,” Fitzgerald said. “I think we just need to focus on the game and leave all of the drama for off the ice and the ‘W’ will come.”
On Sunday, the ’Cats held OSU to scoring only two goals leading into the third period.
“We played good offensively; our shots just weren’t going in,” said freshman winger Loren Holfeld. “Although we ended up losing both games, we all played pretty well. Our first game was tough knowing we had only one practice from our month long break.”
Holfield said the weekend was a learning experience for all.
“Overall, our team played our hardest,” Holfield said. “In my opinion, what set us back is the organization of the lines being switched up from all the penalties we had and power play lines.”
The ’Cats were charged with penalties throughout the game, which led them to give up five goals in the third period, ending the game with a 7-1 loss.
“It was hard to go a month without practicing together and jump right into games with OSU, I think,” said junior defenseman Nikki Balkum. “Our key plays came from battling hard in front of their net. Our penalty kills and breakouts are what really hurt us this weekend.”
The ’Cats averaged about 60 shots this last weekend and OSU averaged about 100.
“It wasn’t our worst weekend but it definitely wasn’t our best,” Balkum said. “Ohio State is a very good team. Overall, I think we have a lot of things that we need to work on in practice so we can be ready for the weeks ahead.”
The ’Cats will be practicing this week for their matchup against Michigan Tech on Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 27 at the Berry Events Center.
