The women’s hockey team is looking to build on an already rich tradition this year.
The RPI Engineers had a great campaign last season and it’s only getting better, according to Head Coach Bill Cahill.
“The girls work hard,” commented Cahill, “And the hard work pays off every day.”
The Engineers finished second in the ECAC Division III East last season, losing a heart-breaking game to Manhattanville in the ECAC Championship.
In their division, RPI was 17-3-0, only dropping games to Manhattanville and RIT. They outscored their opponents 113 to 30 and had eight shutouts. They finished the season 20-7-0.
The Engineers have added talent in the off-season, adding five freshmen and one transfer student. Forwards Sarah Daniel and Julie Aho will prove to be valuable additions to an already powerful offense. Katie Hammond will add to a deep defense, Holly O’Donohue adds versatility by playing both forward and defense, and Christina Johnston will be a solid third string goaltender.
RPI also sees their top three scorers return. Sophomore sensation Julie Welte returns with her 22 goals and 11 assist. Co-captains Deanna Dougherty and Katie Woodward finished tied for second with 32 points.
Defense was a big key to success last year, and many of the contributors on the blue line are returning, led by assistant captain Maj Nixon. Allie Cooper, Lane Dielwart, Sondra Sherman, Allison Malcolm, and Kari Rabatin also continue for the Engineers, providing a very deep, experienced blue-lining core.
The goaltending last year was stellar, with the two goalies sharing time. Junior Julie Vallarelli racked up 13 wins and five shutouts. Sophomore Rosina Schiff won seven games and compiled a goals against average of 1.38.
The Engineers have a tough schedule, seeing five match-up with Division I teams. Rensselaer opens their season at rival Union on October 25, and then come home to face-off against Sacred Heart on November 1. Other notable games include a November 16 match-up against rival Clarkson, and a weekend set on December 6 and 7 against Southern Maine. ECAC D-III East champion Manhattanville will come to the Field House on Friday, January 30 for a pair of weekend games.
The toughest competition though, according to Coach Cahill, will be to get a spot on the bench. “We’re going to see a lot of competition just to see who gets to dress,” remarked Cahill, “On any given night, there will be four or five very talented girls who don’t get a chance to play.”
