Since joining the NESCAC in the 2001-2002 season, the Middlebury women’s ice hockey team has won a total of 6 NESCAC Championships (‘03, ’05, ’06, ’09, ’11, and ’12) and 3 NCAA Division III National Championships (’04, ’05, ’06).
In 2003-2004, the women’s hockey team won the first of three consecutive NCAA National Championships. Middlebury hosted the tournament and defeated Wisconsin Stevens-Point 2-1 for the title. Middlebury had three NCAA All-Americans including First Team All-American, freshman Shannon Tarrant and Second Team All-Americans junior Lorna Gifis and sophomore Emily Quizon.
The following year, 2004-2005, the women won another NCAA National Championship over the host team, Elmira, 4-3. Middlebury had three All-American players. Junior Emily Quizon was named a First Team All-American and also National Player of the Year. Senior Lorna Gifis and sophomore Shannon Tarrant were named Second Team All-Americans. In addition, head coach Bill Mandigo became the all time leader in wins among any NCAA women’s coach this year. He was also named NCAA Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year.
In 2005-2006, the women won their third consecutive NCAA National Championship. They defeated host team Plattsburgh 3-1. Middlebury had four All-Americans. Senior Emily Quizon was named National Player of the Year and a First Team All-American. Senior Kate Kogut, junior Shannon Tarrant and freshman Annmarie Cellino were named Second Team All-Americans. Cellino was also named NESCAC Rookie of the Year. That year, the women’s team tied the school record for wins, with 27. As senior co-captain, Kate Kogut, described,
“The team lived up to their potential and achieved the season motto Make Every Day Count.” – 2005-2006 Kaleidoscope
In the years since their three consecutive National Championship victories, the Middlebury women have continued to have success. In the past three years, Middlebury has made consecutive appearances in the NESCAC championship game. In 2011, the team defeated Amherst 4-3 at Amherst and advanced to the NCAA 3rd place game where they defeated Gustavus Adolphus. In 2012, the women’s hockey team again defeated Amherst 1-0 in overtime. In 2013, the team again reached the NESCAC championship game but fell to Bowdoin 1-0. The team also made a run to the NCAA National Championship, however losing to Elmira 1-0, in the final game.
