University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Athletics

The magical run of the UW-Stevens Point women's hockey team finally came to an end on Saturday in Middlebury, Vt.

After three weeks of double overtimes, comebacks and thrilling finishes, the Pointers played another dramatic game, but this time came up on the short end in a 2-1 loss to Middlebury in the NCAA Division III championship game.

It was the first time a West Region team has played in the title game in its three-year history. Middlebury was also making its first championship game appearance and won the title after winning American Hockey Coaches Association championships in 2000 and 2001.
   
UW-Stevens Point wasted no time taking the early lead Jackie Schmitt (Buffalo Grove, IL/Wheeling) made a cross-crease pass to Ashley Howe (Lakeville, MN/Lakeville) who one-timed a quick shot into the net at the 2:36 mark of the first period. Middlebury answered just 1:57 later as Emily McNamara made a cross-ice pass from the corner to Jean Butler for a one-timer. The Panthers took a 2-1 lead at 15:32 as Liz Yale-Loehr put in a rebound from the right crease area after a shot from the left circle by Butler was saved by Amy Statz (Wisconsin Rapids, WI/Wisconsin Rapids).
    
A scoreless second period saw both team have opportunities to score, but Statz and Middlebury's Kate Kogut were equal to the task. Middlebury outshot the Pointers 11-10 in the period and held a 24-12 advantage after two periods.
    
The third period looked much like the second, with both teams having some chances to score. Although the Pointers were only able to muster up three shots in the period, they were all good opportunities to tie the game. Middlebury had solid pressure late in the game, not allowing Statz to leave the net until there were only seven seconds left in the contest. Kogut ended the night with 14 saves, while Statz made 32.
     
"I'm proud of our team, they played hard and to the best of their abilities," said UW-Stevens Point head coach Brian Idalski. "Middlebury is a very good team, they play a system we're not used to, but we left it all out on the ice."
     
"This was a great win, and a great day for our program," said Middlebury head coach Bill Mandigo."After the first period, we kept the pressure on, but their goaltender was outstanding. They are a very disciplined and well-coached team."
    
Middlebury had no penalties in the entire game, marking the fifth time in UW-Stevens Point history that an opponent was not penalized. One of the other four times was on Jan. 10 of this season when Middlebury went penalty-free in a 3-2 victory over the Pointers.
    
Statz and Ninnemann were both named to the all-tournament team for the Pointers, who ended the season 19-7-4. Middlebury completed the year with a 24-4 record.