This is the Falcons' first NCAA Division III National Championship in the team's 25-year history.
RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Today is the first day of spring break at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, so there aren't many students around. Just the day before, Hunt Arena on campus was packed.
Maddie McCollins, Braelynn Sathers and Aubrey Nelvin play center, defenseman and right wing, respectively, for the Falcons' women's hockey team.
“Everyone was on their feet,” Sathers said.
“Well, I think they started keeping people out of the door,” McCollins added.
On Sunday, the Falcons defeated Elmira College 4-1 to win the NCAA Division III Women's Ice Hockey National Championship trophy for the first time in team history.
“We won an incredible national championship,” Nelvin said. “It still doesn’t feel real.”
Not only were they national champions, they had a perfect season, winning all 31 games. He only had one other undefeated team, and that included a draw. Not this time.
“As a senior, there is no greater joy than finishing your hockey career on your own ice and winning a national championship,” McCollins said.
The season was already special. This year is the 50th anniversary of NCAA Division III. It also marks her 25th anniversary with the University of Wisconsin-River Falls women's hockey program.
Coach Joe Cranston has been a coach for 25 years and says this year's seniors have made a difference.
“I couldn't have imagined this at the beginning of the season, but as the season progressed and we remained undefeated, I started thinking about it,” he said. “Our six seniors have been so great, so dedicated, so grounded, so focused, and just the discipline and leadership that they've shown has really pushed this team to the top.”
McCollins, Sathers and Nelvin, all from Minnesota, say they have no plans to turn pro. Instead, they plan to pursue careers in food and beverage, physical therapy, and real estate. But first, she plans to relax in Florida over spring break.
“Our bodies were shot,” Sathers said. “When you look at that ice, you want to look back and think, “I gave everything I had.''
But their legacy lives on.
“It's fun to see little girls come to our games. Hopefully we can instill hockey in them and continue to want them to grow up and play this sport and grow this sport.” I hope we can do that,” McCollins said.
Check out our news for the latest local news from the Twin Cities and across Minnesota. YouTube playlist:
