University of Minnesota Athletics
Menefee Previews St. Cloud State Series
12/4/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
By Mallory Wickman, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS - As the Golden Gopher women's hockey team approaches the halfway point of the 2014-15 regular season, junior Maryanne Menefee and the rest of the team have high hopes for the remainder of the season. Menefee looks forward to taking on St. Cloud State this weekend at Ridder Arena with the electric energy of the team's home fans.
Gopher Sports: As you approach the halfway point of the season, how to you feel it is going?
Maryanne Menefee: I feel like the season is going very well. We went through a little slump in the beginning, but besides that we have been playing really well. We are definitely getting into the swing of things and building team chemistry. I'm excited for the second half of the season.
GS: What are your hopes and goals for the remainder of the season?
MM: I'm looking forward to playoffs and the second half of the season because it gets a lot more intense. The end of the season brings out a whole new side to the team because it's crunch time and we have to work under pressure.
GS: What has been your highlight of the season so far?
MM: Going to New York City and spending the day with the team was a lot of fun. We went to Rockefeller, Central Park and did some shopping. It was also great to sweep Wisconsin at their home rink earlier this season.
GS: What is the chemistry like with your linemates?
MM: I've been playing with Hannah for three years so playing together comes easy to us. Hannah and I know where to be for one another, which is very helpful. Dani has an amazing shot and brings a lot of speed and grittiness to our line. We have the same type of playing style and a lot of chemistry.
GS: After recently playing St. Cloud State, what can you expect from them in this upcoming series?
MM: I think they can bring a whole other level, which we need to be ready for. It will be a good series, and I'm really excited for this weekend. I believe if we keep playing well, like we have been, we will be fine.
GS: What is your favorite part about playing a series at home?
MM: The crowd is definitely my favorite part about playing at Ridder Arena. When we get a lot of fans at the games, it brings up the energy in the rink. Our fans make it a lot easier to get into the game.
GS: What makes being a Golden Gopher so special?
MM: My favorite part is coming out of the tunnel, wearing the "M" and giving all the little girls high-fives at Ridder Arena. The atmosphere at our home games is amazing. It doesn't get any better than that.
Puck drop between the Gophers and Huskies is set for 7 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday. Minnesota will host its annual Teddy Bear Toss during Saturday's game. Fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears or other stuffed animals to donate to the Gophers' annual charity toy drive by throwing them on the ice after the first Gopher goal.
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