file photo by Ben Smidt

Despite losses to conference powerhouse UW-Stevens Point Friday and Saturday, the women’s hockey team is looking on the bright side as it gears up for UW-Superior.

The Pointers rolled over the ‘Golds 11-2 Friday night and shut them out 8-0 Saturday. But the scores aren’t necessarily what matters, said senior captain Jen Mead.

In both contests with Point, the women had to contend with early deficits. The Pointers jumped out to a 4-0 lead Friday before Eau Claire’s Jamie Hewitt scored off an Amanda Schultz assist at the 18 minute, 33 second mark.

It took the ‘Golds nearly as long to score in the second period. At the 18:22 mark freshman Claire Prada found the back of the net off an assist from Mead.

Point scored three unanswered goals in the third period to make the final tally 11-2.

Saturday’s noon contest looked more promising initially, but a second period slip cost the Blugolds in the end.

After a strong first period, Eau Claire trailed 1-0 and was playing its game, Mead said. In the second, however, the team lost its focus and gave up six goals. In the last period, Eau Claire regained its composure and allowed only one goal.

“We can play with (Stevens Point),” Mead said. “That’s not a question. It’s a matter of whether we all come ready to play that day.”

There’s no doubt that Point has a strong women’s hockey program, Mead said, but the Blugolds can compete at a higher level than that reflected by the weekend’s scores.

“We broke down in the second period on Saturday,” she said. “We didn’t play our game.”

Even after a tough second period, the ‘Golds stayed with it mentally, said sophomore JoAnne Koenck.

“We kept our pride and kept our heads up,” Koenck said. “It was really hard, but we did it.”

Mead also emphasized the team’s refusal to give up.

“(After the second period), we were playing for a little pride, a little dignity,” Mead said. “We didn’t give up. We played until the buzzer,”

Koenck attributed the team’s relentlessness to its unity, which has greatly increased this season.

Coach Mike Collins has emphasized unity this season, Koenck said. The women completed a high ropes course together and have stuck together throughout consistently tough practices, she said.

The ‘Golds will continue to stick together as they prepare for weekend games versus UW-Superior. The puck drops Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.

Superior traditionally has been a tough team, Mead said, but the Blugolds don’t quite know what to expect from this year’s Yellowjackets. Superior has a new coach and has experienced considerable player turnover since Eau Claire last faced off against their squad.

“(Superior is) kind of a mystery team now,” Mead said. “We’re not sure what to expect.”