The Hamilton women’s hockey season is underway with the first game of the season quickly approaching. Last year’s team finished 16–8–2 overall and 9–5–2 in the conference. The team made it past the first round of the NESCAC tournament when they beat Colby College 3–1. Unfortunately in the second round, the team lost to nationally ranked #10 Middlebury College 3–1.
Hamilton graduated three strong players: Taegan Blackwell ’19, Andrea Rockey ’19, and Olivia Hawes ’19. Together, the three played a part in 30 points totaled for the Continentals. Despite the loss of these three talented players, among others, the Continentals return their three net minders, Gab Venne ’22, Sammy Johnson ’20, and Sid Molnar ’22. Unfortunately, Molnar suffered a concussion in one of the first practices but hopes to return later in the season.
These three will be supported by four returning defenders, 2018 All-NESCAC selection Michaela Giuttari ’20, Kelli Mackey ’20, Lexi Takashima ’22, and Emily Walther ’21. As for the offense, Nancy Loh ’22, the NESCAC Rookie of the Year in 2019, returns and hopes to surpass her last year’s point total of 26. She led the NESCAC in first-year points last season and was second in points overall. Loh is accompanied by other offense weapons, such as Kate Piacenza ’21, Mya Berretta ’22, and Missy Segall ’21 among others.
Head Coach Emily McNamara and Assistant Coach Kayte Holtz have brought in a class of eight eager first-year students. This class includes Tracey Stafford ’23, Jess Eccleston ’23, Allison Curry ’23, Hyla Mosher ’23, Maura Holden ’23, Abby Kuhns ’23, Maddie Hong ’23, and Katherine Solohub ’23. Many of the first-year players competed on teams this fall, including field hockey and soccer and will be well prepared for the rigor of Division 3 athletics.
Though we have not seen those first years compete yet, the upperclassmen have spoken very highly of them, saying they have been competing well in practice and are catching up quickly with the team’s systems of play.
The Continentals will be led by Sammy Johnson ’20, Kelli Mackey ’20 and Alayna Trice ’20 this season. The team will play eight of their first nine games on the road. Hamilton’s first game is this Friday at 7 p.m. at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts.
