Leighton Geraghty – Contributor 

The Hunt for March starts now. The Women’s Hockey team has a short turnaround after a very emotional and promising Senior Night Game. They faced off against the McGill Martlets in the final game of the regular season. Captain Santerre continued her dominance in the second half of the season, notching more points to her tally this year, bringing her to 28 points in 24 games. The game saw positive light on both the offensive and defensive side of the puck. Two seniors were named among the three stars that night. Ericka Gagnon finished with a 22-save shutout, granting her first star. Jamie Aspropotamitis was named the second star after a dominant offensive game, scoring her second goal of the season. The Gaiters’ graduating class sees eight players leaving the team and progressing into the workforce. Once the ceremony ended, the Gaiters went on the hunt. Bishop’s dominated from the first to the last whistle and forced McGill to call an early timeout in the first period to ease the pressure. Head Coach Alexandra Boulanger reunited the top line of the Gaiters last year, slotting Justine Turcotte on the top line with Santerre and Cote. The line connected for two of the four goals in the game, including a highlight reel Tic-Tac-Toe goal. Gagnon stood tall and shut the door on many opportunities as the Gaiters’ win brought positive momentum ahead of the playoffs. 

Heading into playoff time, the Gaiters are starting their national push in the RSEQ semi-finals against the Montréal Carabins. This is the third consecutive year that these two teams will go head-to-head against one another in the first round of the  playoffs. Montréal got the best of Bishop’s in the 23-24 season while Bishop’s answered back last year. The Gaiters have struggled against the Carabins this season, posting a 2-6 record in regular season play. Although the record is favourable for Montréal, this Bishop’s team has no fear. After last year’s run to win the U-Sports national title, BU is no stranger to being considered the underdog and knowing what it takes to win. Similar to the Montréal matchup, last year, Concordia had their number in regular season action but were no match for the Gaiters come time for the dance. The team is ready, and they are hungry to make a return to the RSEQ finals, as well as the National Championship held yet again in Waterloo.