It could be said that the Pointers women’s hockey team didn’t have the finish to the season they wanted.

After stunning two-seeded Adrian College in the National Collegiate Hockey Associate quarterfinals, the Pointers were outskated by the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the semifinals, losing 7-0.

The Pointers ended the season with a 12-13-3 record and a conference mark of 9-8- 3. According to Head Coach Ann Ninnemann, the Pointers were not pleased with their final result.

“I think the consensus is that we underachieved this season,” Ninnemann said. “It was good for this team to go through a roller coaster season like that, so next season maybe we can bring more consistency to our play.”

The season marks the end for three seniors on the team. Goalie Sierra Dart played sparingly in her senior season but managed a shutout in her only start this season.

Forwards Brooke Hanson and Michelle Lunneborg have played key roles for the Pointers every season in their four-year careers.

Hanson ended the season tied for third in goals on the team with eight scored and also added eight assists. She finished her career with 26 goals and 24 assists.

Lunneborg tallied eight goals this season and led the team with 12 assists. Her career totals come to 32 goals and 32 assists.

While every player tries to finish their career without any regrets, Lunneborg may have a few.

“If I regretted one thing from my four years here on the UWSP women’s hockey team, I would regret any moment I felt like I didn’t want to be at practice or was frustrated at practice,” Lunneborg said. “Now I realize it’s over and would give anything to have those minutes of practice back. Don’t take any moment for granted and play each game, practice, minute of your career like it’s your last. Have fun and remember why you play the game—because you love it.”

Ninnemann will miss the leadership that this group of seniors offered.

“They always worked hard and played their roles well,” Ninnemann said. “They put in a huge commitment being a part of this program for four years.”

Freshman Emily Lester will also miss the players graduating from the program.

“When you spend as much time together as we do, many friendships develop,” Lester said. “It is always difficult to see the season come to an end, but it is exciting to think about next season.”

Now Stevens Point looks ahead to next year. If experience is any indication of success, the Pointers should have a bright future.

With five of seven players that scored double-digit points this season returning, the Pointers are poised to compete for the top spot in the conference.

A big part of next year’s success will fall on the current junior class, according to Ninnemann, and younger players, like Lester, will be looked at to continue developing their game.

“I think we have the potential to improve and hopefully contend for a league title,” Lester said. “Hopefully we all work hard this spring and summer and come back to school ready to improve on this year’s season.”