Today was an emotional day for the SJUFH Hawks. Today we honored the four seniors. Being one of those seniors today, I could not stop smiling! We had such an amazing crowd, a great pump-up from the underclassmen, and so much support from the athletic department along with our coaching staff.

On behalf of the seniors, I would like to thank the SJU Athletic Department for all that you have given us during our four years.

To our coaching staff, who has provided so much time and dedication to the program to improve all of us as hockey players and people.

To our teammates, for being a second family to us; without all of you it would not be possible.

Lastly, to our parents; you all are there for us every day and continue to love and support us no matter our results!

Today we took on UMass, who is a solid team and nationally ranked. We knew today would be a great challenge, but the Hawks were up for it! After trailing by two at halftime, we turned it on for the second half. Knowing it would be our last time competing on Ellen Ryan Field we weren't going down without a fight.  The offense drew a corner and we executed and scored!  Shannon McNeil put it in on the tip for her first career goal. But UMass didn't let down and we just couldn't pull ahead.

The Hawks did not come out on top today but there is still hope for our season to continue! Next weekend we travel all the way back down to Virginia to play Virginia Commonwealth and return back to Philadelphia to take on Temple. Although both teams will be very competitive we need to rise above in order to have a chance for postseason play! This week at practice we are looking to perfect our play--to have solid, crisp passing, keeping the ball out of the defensive circle, and finishing on offense.

-Abby