BY Pat Kelleher
Staff Reporter
On Feb. 15, the women’s hockey team capped off the regular season with their 13th consecutive victory in a 4-1 win over St. Michael’s.
In the victory, one person stole the show. Senior captain Jayne Lewis buried one of the four Pioneer goals and in doing so, set the school record with 140 career points.
Head coach Tom O’Malley knew from the first moment she stepped on the ice that he had himself a great player.
“She’s had a fantastic career here. Her first year here she played with Taylor Moreland who held several records here and the two were linemates and they were incredible,” said O’Malley. “With Taylor graduating two years ago, Jayne took over as team captain and has been a staple to the program the last four years.”
Lewis recognized how special it was to become the Pioneers’ All-Time career points leader.
“It was an amazing way to end my last regular season at Sacred Heart. I think what made this accomplishment so great was the team I have behind me and the past teams we have had in my 4 years,” said Lewis. “It was also one of the best moments I have had in my hockey career because my dad was able to fly up to Burlington, Vt., to see it.”
From the first moment she entered the program, her impact was immediately felt. In her freshman season, she netted 25 points. The following year, she improved, tallying 43 points. In her junior and senior seasons, she netted 37 and 35 points en route to having one of the most storied careers in the history of the program.
“There have been many great memories during my four years at SHU. One of the best memories I have is winning the New England Women’s Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) tournament in 2018,” said Lewis. “My time on the women’s ice hockey team at Sacred Heart is four years I will never forget, from my teammates to the accomplishments we have shared.”
Consistently being at her best when it matters, Lewis has gathered 19 of her 35 points this season during this crucial stretch in which they have not lost a game since January 4th.
Despite the 13-game winning streak, coach O’Malley knows the team must remain focused with playoffs coming up.
“It’s been a great year,” said O’Malley. “We have the team, we have the work ethic. No red carpet will be put out for us. We are going to have to go and take it and prove why we belong here.”
Following their 3-0 loss to Long Island University on Feb. 22, the team finished their season with an overall record of 21-11.
