The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
As the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point women’s hockey season begins, players are looking ahead with optimism and excitement.
Senior forward Meredith Ingbretson. Photo by Jack McLaughlin.
The team had their first game against St. Olaf College on Oct. 28 and thus far their record is 1-2-1.
Meredith Ingbretson, senior center forward and team captain, feels confident about the team’s rapport.
“The relationship within the team has gotten better each year, everyone feeling like they are a part of it. Having that structure and support system to fall back on is really nice. I feel like this year especially we have a very tight knit group,” Ingbretson said.
She cited UW-River Falls as one of the competitive teams they will be competing against. This season Ingbretson is hoping the team will win the conference championship for the first time since 2007.
“I’m just trying to fill some of the shoes from last year and do as much as I can to help the team win each game,” Ingbretson said.
Ellie Punnett, junior defender, is Ingbretson’s co-captain.
According to Punnett the team lost a lot of seniors last season giving other players more opportunities to have playing time this season.
As a captain, Punnett emphasizes the importance of leading by example and giving her teammates the chance to speak up.
“I feel like a lot of times the positivity comes from the team and the coaches’ kind of see that and feed off it,” Punnett said.
Since she has been coaching, Ann Ninnemann head women’s hockey coach, has seen the talent increase within the university’s program and the region. She is hoping the players stay healthy this season, especially since the team’s roster is smaller than in past years.
Ninneman wants the team’s penalty kill to improve this season, and has already been impressed by the improvements the returners have made.
“I am excited to see how everyone is going to grow and develop. The freshman in the first two weeks have grown and become better hockey players already,” Ninneman said.
This week the team will compete against Gustavus Adolphus College on Nov. 8 and UW-River Falls on Nov. 11.
Caroline Chalk
Reporter
cchal845@uwsp.edu
