The Women’s Hockey Club’s season came to a close, with two losses to the Minot State University Beavers in Minot, S.D.

The Cyclones made the 12-hour trip to Minot, bringing with them a shorthanded team, similar to most of their long road trips made throughout the season. They lost 5-1 on Saturday and 9-2 on Sunday.

“This weekend we again took only seven skaters and a goalie, so we had a very short bench for both games,” said coach Joe McCarron. “I’m proud of each and every one of the girls’ effort this weekend.”

With a short bench the team’s exhaustion was expected, and Sunday, the Cyclones found it difficult to keep up with the Beavers, who scored first on a power play goal at 16:08. The Beavers gained control of the puck again minutes later, to notch a second goal at 14:34.

The first period ended with the Cyclones trailing 4-1 – a hole they were never able to climb out of.

“Minot just proved to be a better team this time around,” said Erin Wessling, sophomore in animal ecology. “They had some strong players that I don’t remember seeing last time.”

On Saturday, the Cyclones skated with the Beavers to a scoreless first period, and headed to the third period within striking distance, trailing 2-1.

Once again, the third period was the team’s undoing.

The third period was again controlled by Minot State, who scored three goals for the 5-1 win and a series sweep.

“I think we played a lot harder this time around than the previous series we had with Minot,” McCarron said. “We just didn’t get the bounces like we did when we played them before.”

The Cyclones finished with a record of 6-18-1, playing some difficult teams and getting some hard-earned wins. With a short bench and young team, the Cyclones only hope to improve in time for next season.

“We had our difficulties as a team, namely the short bench, but I am proud of my team for all the things we have accomplished,” Wessling said.

“Many of our players are freshmen this year, which can only mean that our team will grow.”