NEVILLE TWP, Pa. — Heart. Dedication. Determination. Those three words are the strongest descriptors of the Robert Morris senior class. A group that has lead by example, grown with the program, and with the upcoming weekend series against Lindenwood (as well as the College Hockey America and a possible NCAA tournament appearances) outstanding, the five have compiled an overall 72-47-19 record — the top mark amongst graduating classes in club history. Their tenure also coincides with both in program history that the Colonials reached a No. 7 ranking.
It’s not a collective run on team records that define this class – it’s their individual contributions.
Maeve Garvey, with 3 of her 9 goals this season registering as a game winner (as well as 7 of the 27 in her career), has chipped in some offense when the team needed it most.
Mikaela Lowater has played in 136 games throughout her Robert Morris career, and with a trip to the CHA finals will tie her coach Chelsea Walkland’s team’s games played record.
Mackenzie Johnston has brought balance to the third and fourth lines, and throughout her career has chipped a goal when the team needs it most.
Captain Rikki Meilleur is the epitome of a spokesperson and role model for the team.
Jessica Dodds holds almost every major goaltending record for the Colonials.
Meilleur and Maeve Garvey put together the first “Teddy Bear Toss” night in program history, raising money for Children’s Hospital.
QUOTABLE:
“They’ve been huge to the program. From the outside looking in, it’s been a fun team to coach. We’ve been able to focus on the hockey aspect of things versus anything else. That’s our senior class. Our senior class has been so good on the ice, and so good off the ice. They’ve created an awesome atmosphere in the locker room, then they bring the hard work, heart and determination into their play. They are role models for the way the rest of our team plays. They find ways to raise the bar and set the new standard for Colonial hockey.”
– Head Coach Paul Colontino.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls to show us the ropes. Obviously they become your closest friends, they’ve done a really good job and left huge shoes to fill. They’ve been great leaders for us these past three years. They’re definitely going to be missed. They’ve left huge shoes that hopefully we can fill.”
– Junior Forward Amanda Pantaleo
