After a challenging start to the season, the women’s ice hockey team found their stride, winning six consecutive games to improve a 5-17-2 record to 11-17-2.
With just two regular season games remaining before the New England Women’s Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) playoffs, the Pioneers are entering the postseason with confidence and momentum.
The team’s early struggles were marked by losses and inconsistent play, but a shift in focus has led to their recent success.
“We played some good hockey at times all year, but now it’s been consistent,” said head coach Thomas O’Malley. “Scoring goals, playing some solid defense, getting that goaltending and that’s driven our success.”
The Pioneers defense has tightened, and the offense has capitalized on more scoring chances. This all-around improvement has been instrumental in the team’s recent success.
As for the players themselves, a big energy change within the team helped guide the win streak.
“We turned into a win mindset. It’s just more focused, we’re feeling more competitive,” said sophomore forward Hailey Jussila.
Key players have stepped up during the streak, notably senior goalie Jillian Petruno. On Feb. 7, Petruno’s 32 save shutout against Post University earned the Pios a 1-0 overtime victory and their sixth consecutive win.
“I think it has been a team effort, I don’t think it has been an individual role game, I think it’s just everyone working together,” said Petruno.
Source: Jack Cavicchi, Senior Photo Editor and Asst. Sports Editor
While several players have excelled during the streak, some have stepped up in silent, yet equally important ways. For example, sophomore defenders Maddie Smith and Reese Pascucci have played pivotal roles despite not always being in the spotlight when it comes to the stat sheet.
“They might not get all the accolades or all the awards and all the spotlight, but they are steady,” said O’Malley. “Olivia LaRoche is the same way, captain of the team; she goes out and leaves it all on the ice.”
While their names may not always be on the scoresheet, their commitment to the team’s success has been crucial in building the Pioneers’ momentum.
With only two games left before the NEWHA playoffs, the Pioneers are aiming to carry this momentum into the postseason. For O’Malley, the key to their success in the next few weeks is simple.
“Come out and play our game, let’s run our systems, let’s get our attack on right away. Good defense creates good offense; we want to play shutdown stingy defense and then take it up the far end,” said O’Malley.
As the team prepares for the final stretch of the regular season, both Jussila and Petruno know what’s at stake. The next few games will be critical to securing a good position in the playoffs.
“We’re definitely not cocky by any means,” said Julissa.
In their Feb. 13-14 series against Long Island University, the Pios extended their win streak to seven games on Friday night, before a 1-0 loss on Saturday night ended it, pushing the season record to 12-18-2.
The Pios close out the regular season with a series against Assumption University on Feb. 20-21 before kicking off the NEWHA Playoffs on Feb. 27.
Sacred Heart Athletics contributed to this article.
