Orr Rink in Amherst was a sea of purple and white this afternoon, from the streamers wrapped around the handlebars of the bleachers, to paintings reading “We Love Our Seniors,” and “2020!” done on the glass boards of the rink.
The Amherst College women’s ice hockey team held their “Senior Game” on Saturday in honor of their five seniors who will be graduating this spring, including the Mammoths’ two senior captains, Eliza Laycock and Anne Malloy.
The teams had matching records going into this afternoon’s game (14-5-4). The game ended in a 2-2 tie after one five minute overtime. The goals came in the second and third periods, the first was an amazing give and go shot executed by Amherst’s #6 Rose Mroczka as she launched out of the penalty box, and the assist went to #9 Kaitlin Hoang.
The other three goals came back to back in the third period, by Kaitlin Hoang of Amherst and Lexi Cafiero of Colby. Finally, Colby College’s captian, #17 Tess Dupre scored a goal that had the Mules bench cheering for a couple minutes straight. Her goal was assisted by #21 Madi Brown. This goal tied up the game, and neither team could secure another to add a win to their records.
The Mammouths dropped their Friday game the night before against Colby 1-0, but that didn’t hold back the team when they were preparing to take on the Mules on Saturday.
“I think when we’re going into a game, were always trying to play like its zero-zero, so that includes forgetting about yesterday. It’s a new game, new day, and were ready to bring it, no matter what.” Said senior captian Anne Malloy.
Head coach Jeff Matthews had similar feelings on how his team got in the mindset for todays game: “We didn’t make many big adjustments. In our league, you always play the same team twice, so there’s certainly minor adjustments here and there, but we’re happy with our style of play. We played our game, and we thought we had a good game that could have gone either way.”
“It was another great hockey game.” Said Matthews.
The game was highlighted by a bittersweet ceremony that took place before the starting lineup was called. The families of each of the graduating seniors, #15 forward Sarah Melanson, #33 goaltender Caroline Booraem, #3 defender Ava Simoncelli, and forward captains #23 Anne Malloy and #14 Eliza Laycock, joined their player on the ice to for a picture and a bouquet of flowers.
Of the seniors, Jeff Matthews had nothing but good things to say about how the 5 women who were honored tonight contributed in shaping their team bond this season.
“Our seniors did a fantastic job at establishing the foundation that you need to be a good hockey team. All five of them were a huge part of our success and establishing our connectedness, and our culture. It starts with your seniors, and I think they did a terrific job of that this year. I am very proud of them.” He said.
“I was going into the game thinking I don’t want to focus on any of this senior stuff, I just want to think about the hockey. There’s only so many games left and I can enjoy everything, all of this other stuff, after those games. But for now, I just want to stay focused.” Said Malloy. “We appreciate everything that our team has done for us, its been a great year. They have been a great team to lead too.”
When asked if they could pick one favorite moment from this season, the senior captains Anne Malloy and Eliza Laycock both agreed that their ability to come to the rink everyday and just be with their team was their favorite parts of the season.
“I dont know if I can pick one. I just love coming to the rink everyday. This team is the biggest blessing for me and everyday is amazing.” Said Laycock.
“I couldn’t pick a win, I couldn’t pick a comeback, not a shootout win or anything. It’s the everyday. Getting to come here and distress from school, and see all of these people who support you. It’s awesome.” Said Malloy.
Emma Needham 