Last weekend, the team traveled to UW Superior, where they skated to a 3-3 tie in their opening game against the nationally ranked Yellowjackets. The Oles were shutout the following night, losing 7-0.

The Yellowjackets who are ranked 12th in the United States College Online Hockey poll served as a warm-up for the Oles as they get ready to begin MIAC play.

According to Lindsay Weier ’06, the trip was very helpful, as the team is working on “getting experience under our belts” and “finding our chemistry on the ice.”

The Oles scored first against the Yellowjackets in their opening game, with a goal by Maria Richardson ‘07. The Oles however would find themselves trailing 1-3 heading into the third period.

Richardson would score again in the third for the Oles, followed by a goal from teammate Jennifer Welch ‘06.

In overtime neither team could muster much of an attack. The Oles got only one shot on goal and the Yellowjackets two in the overtime period.

The Oles did take advantage of their Power Play opportunities, scoring on two of their three chances with a woman advantage.

In the Oles loss to the Yellowjackets the women were shut-out. The Oles were out shot in the game 12 to 53.

Despite the loss this year’s team is looking to build off their 2002-03 season.

Weier, an All-American and All-Conference selection, is one of many strong returning players. Joining Weier on defense is Sarah Ray ‘04 and Melissa Mueller ‘06, with goalkeepers Kerry Rollwagen ‘05 and Andrea Smith ‘05.

Last year the team established two school records when they completed their first sweep of a conference opponent and in February were able to pull off a string of five consecutive wins, the team’s longest winning streak.

January may prove to be challenging for this year’s Oles, as they will be taking on St. Thomas, last year’s conference champion, as well as Gustavus and Augsburg, who were conference finalists.

The team’s first regular season game is Nov. 21, when the Oles take on St. Kate’s at 5:00 p.m. at home.

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