It is nice to finally have some time to sit back and reflect on the first half of the season with the first semester coming to a close. Currently, my players are studying (at least they'd better be) for finals and getting packed to go home for their limited winter break.
Almost a week ago, we played our last game of the semester against UW-Eau Claire and in what was a thrilling 4-3 win in overtime, our second overtime win of the year. The goal was scored by freshman defenseman Molly Wallner (more commonly known as "Mole" and no, I don't ask the origin of nicknames), and it was her first career goal as a Forester. Of the 9 new players we have this year, 7 have scored their first Forester goal(s) in this first half of the season.
We have definitely had our share of ups and downs in the 10 games that have been played so far, rounding our record out to 5-4-1 going into Christmas break. All of our losses have been to teams ranked in the top ten in that nation. Well, actually three of our losses came from the same team but who's counting? Regardless, I view this as a very successful start to the season, being able to rely on so many new players to come in and contribute right away. Freshmen Kim Herring and Mira Trebilcock recorded their first career hattricks the weekend that we played Finlandia University and sophomore Alyssa Wintermute recorded her second career shutout against Chatham University in our first game of the season.
While we have struggled with consistency with such a young team, what has awoken is the desire to win and be the best. Molly's overtime goal in the UW-Eau Claire game was definitely a team effort that began from the start of that game. Although there were minor setbacks in the third period, the fact that the team did not give up and pushed even harder was probably what impressed me most about that win. Oh, and the fact that a defenseman can actually pick corners! Just kidding, Mole. But to get our second overtime win of the year (Kim Herring scored the game winner against St. Mary's University), really showed the character of this team and what they are capable of.
With winter break upon us, it will give the players time to rest and regroup before they come back for practice on January 1st and, hopefully, they will come back ready to start where we left off. For myself, I will take this time to actually have a non-hockey life and freeze my butt off at places outside of our "well-insulated" ice rink! I love winter.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Carisa
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