Sara Dibernardo has been a leader on this team both on and off the ice this year, and a leading force from the defensive end. The Terps ran most of the season with only three defense-women, demanding double and sometimes even triple shifts each game and Sara stepped up to everything the team needed. Leading the defense in goals and points and having the third highest points on the team shows her ability to convert defense to offense and deliver when the team needed a rush up the ice. As a senior and Captain, Sara was a strong presence in the defensive zone, calling out a play and directing the flow of the game. She was instrumental in the powerplay and penalty kills, and was always willing to sacrifice her body to block a shot or get the puck out.

Many great captains are defenseman. It has something to do with their desire to put the safety and well-being of the team before their own offensive tendencies. Jessie is one of those great captains and more. Beyond just being a defensive presence on the ice Jessie moved that puck better than some of our best forwards. Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense, and Jessie was the best of both worlds. I remember in one game against Towson, she had rushed the puck up ice twice, blocked two shots, and pinned a girl in the corner and then cleared the puck out of our zone, all in one shift. She really can do it all and most importantly not only did she defend her team from points against us, she stood up for her players. With the highest penalty minutes on our team, I assure you, many of them were in an effort to protect our girls. Jessie is the epitome of a defensewoman and what any player should strive to be.

-Erin is a non-stop player. She wasn't discouraged in the slightest when she realized that we would be short on defensemen - she rose to the occasion. She is another tireless player, one we can count on to play an even, strong game.

-Erin always worked incredibly hard and cares passionately about hockey. She puts in so much time on and off the ice, and works very hard for the team.

I think Erin is a great candidate for our Outstanding Defensewoman. She has an extraordinary passion for ice hockey and it shows in the way that she plays on the ice and in the way that she leads the team. We could always count on her on defense.

-Erin is one of our strongest players, especially on defense. You can tell that she puts in 120% every time her skates touch the ice. She works her butt off in practice and outside of the team to get better and become an even stronger player and teammate. She get the team to move and gives advice on and off the ice. She really knows how to control the back and how to give and receive plays to advance the team forward.

-Erin Lyons never quits. Even when she's been on the ice for ten minutes she can and will sprint down any player. Even when a game is way out of our hands, she still gives it her all. It is inspiring to see and something to aspire to. 

Nic contributed to the team offensively with 13 goals and 15 assists.  None more important the goal and assist in the championship game against Navy.  She had a plus 20 in the regular season and a plus 9 in the Playoffs for a Plus 29 in the total season. She co-anchored the strongest Defense in the league giving up 1 goal a game on average and helping the tigers to an undefeated season and championship with 6 shutouts. Nic has total speed and domination through the neutral zone and defensive zone that eliminated teams from entering our zone and from getting shots off.  She recorded many blocked shots each game and certainly sparked the team when we got sluggish.  Her play in the championship game in a tough and physical contest showed how one player can change a game. She dominated defensively in the third and then helped add the last two goals with a goal and assist in the third. Nic has great communication with her other defensive partners and is an all-around tough and aggressive player who knows how to perform.

Returning from a semester abroad, Mitchell (or Mitchy as we call her) returned stateside with a brand new perspective. The prior season, Mitchy led our team (maybe even the league) in penalty minutes with her physical play and competitive attitude.  This season, she has channeled that energy into pure defensive skill.  She is a stand-out, dependable, constantly improving member of our defensive line up, and will be the defensive stalwart of the team in her coming senior year.  

Cara is a brick wall both on the blue line, and in the defensive zone.  She has been critical to our success this season.  She is a natural defenseman, and it shows.  She has great hands, and great feet; it’s amazing how she uses her whole body to play the puck.  She never gives up, and has been a driving force in our game play this season.  Cara is also a terrific mentor on the ice.  She took on a partner last season that had never played hockey before, and Cara has been instrumental in growing, teaching and mentoring her defensive partner.  She has been patient and supportive, and has created a terrific partnership that has been critical to our success as a team.  

With three consistent and reliable defensemen to choose from, Kara Welch stood out as a do-it-all player who dedicated her considerable skill to keeping the puck out of the net, not trying to pad her own stats.
 
She had the confidence to step up and make plays, and the recovery speed to catch up if the play got past her. And despite being the last of our regulars to score a goal, her rushes were highlights of our games.

Most teams, seemingly by design, had their best skaters on defense with an eye towards rushing the puck and scoring. We had one of our best at the back end too, but ours chose instead to be a steadying influence who was among the team leaders in plus/minus and emerged as a quiet leader late in the season.