The Totino – Grace Girls hockey team kicked off their season on Saturday with a 1-1 tie against Armstrong/Cooper. This tie comes after 2 losses to Armstrong/Cooper program last season.

Senior Mackenzie Bertolas scored the lone goal for the Eagles. Senior goalie Kailee Medved stopped 30 of 31 shots, while the Eagles themselves were able to put up 19 shots on goal.

“The girls played very well against Armstrong/Cooper.  While the game ended in a tie, I thought that the girls put forth a great effort.  Since it was our first game, we know that there is still quite a bit to work on, but we have to start somewhere, and I think they set the bar high.  As a coaching staff, we are now aware of what they are capable of and will push them to that level,” Coach Maria Swanson reflected on the season opener.

She elaborated, “I am extremely excited about our season.  We have a very talented group of girls who understand what it means to have a team-first mentality.  They have great work ethics and positive attitudes.”

This is coach Swanson’s fifth season coaching at Totino -Grace. Prior to that she coached at Irondale.

“Our team motto this season is ‘Never ME, Always WE’. We want to take the focus away from ourselves and play for something greater.” Coach Swanson said she wants the team to understand dedication and commitment to the school.

“I am really looking forward to seeing what this team can do.  I am excited to watch them grow as individuals, but moreover, as a team.”