The women’s hockey team is off to a fantastic start. Behind back-to-back NESCAC wins against nationally ranked #8 Amherst College, the team ranked tenth in the latest national poll, currently sitting at 4–0 early in the season.

After missing the entirety of last season due to the pandemic, the team has plenty of standout performances to date. Many players have returned hungry and eager to improve on a successful 2019–20 season where the team finished fourth in the NESCAC and reached the semifinals in the conference tournament.

So far this season, a number of contributors have pitched in to help the team earn their several victories. In the team’s first matchup against Amherst on Nov. 20, Allie Curry ’23 scored two third-period goals to propel the team to a 3–1 win. The next day, Sidney Molnar ’22 made an impressive 36 saves, warding off late power-play attempts from the Mammoths to earn a 2–0 shutout win. Molnar has already earned three wins in net for the team.

Another standout on the ice have been defenseman Abby Kuhns ’23, who leads the team with four assists through four games. Mya Berretta ’22 has one goal and three assists; that goal was the game winner against SUNY Morrisville on Nov. 23, which capped off an epic third-period comeback. Trailing 3–1 with just over 15 minutes left to play, Abby Smith ’23, Maura Holden ’23 and Berretta scored in quick succession to earn the 4–3 come-from-behind win.

Captain Nancy Loh ’23 has made a massive impact as well, leading the team with five points on two goals and three assists. Both of her goals were game winners, the first coming as the opening goal in the 2–0 Amherst win, and the second securing a 3–2 win over Utica College on Nov. 28.

The Spectator

sat down with Loh to break down the team’s early success and look ahead to a promising season.

The team is off to a great start at 4–0 and up to #10 in the country. Why do you think the team has been able to find success right out of the gate?

Everyone has been so eager to play after a long break so we are all just really happy to have competition again. More than half of our team had never played in a college game before last weekend, so it is a new experience for all of us. We are just working hard and supporting each other. It is great to be back on the ice after such a long break, so we’re having fun.

The team has already made a couple of third-period comebacks against both Amherst and Morrisville. What do these wins reflect about the team?

The NESCAC is a competitive league and I expect that all of our games will be battles and will force us to work until the last buzzer. We have a lot of heart and have learned that if we keep working hard good things can happen.

You have made a huge impact so far with two goals and three assists. What are you hoping to bring to the team this season as a captain on and off the ice?

We have a lot of talent on this team and everyone is contributing in both practices and games. As a junior, I know that the season is long and it’s important that we have confidence and believe in our team and each other. We need to continue to learn from our mistakes and challenges, stay positive and stay together. I’m hoping to keep the energy high and make sure everyone continues to work hard and have fun. Off the ice, I’m hoping that everyone likes the movie selection I have for bus trips.

This weekend, you will face Williams, a historically tough NESCAC opponent, in a doubleheader at home. What are your expectations for these games?

Our last matchup against Williams (more than 640 days ago) was a battle down to the last second. We are expecting them to come out even harder and faster than the last time we played them because every conference game is so important. We are all excited for another competitive NESCAC weekend in Sage and I hope everyone comes out to support us!

Looking forward to the rest of the season, what are some of your big team goals as you move through the winter?

I like to take it one game at a time and I think we need to have this mindset as a team. Ultimately, my goal is for us to compete hard every game so that we are at our best come playoff time. I am also looking forward to seeing everyone become closer as a team off the ice and seeing this team chemistry translate into

how we play on the ice.

Lightning Round

Any personal superstitions before games?

I try not to think about superstitions so I don’t get in my head.

Go-to game day meal?

PB&J.

Teammate with a secret talent?

Maura Holden ’23 makes some crazy realistic bird noises.

Song or artist on your personal pregame playlist?

Two Friends.

Best part of Thanksgiving break?

Pie night with our family friends.