The following have demonstrably improved their play during 2013. It’s a good bet that they will continue in 2014
Tori Charron, Norwich: The senior forward who led the nation in goals a year ago with 30, is back, stressing opposing goaltenders with aplomb. Charron finished off the 2013 portion of the Cadets’ schedule with a six game point streak that was composed of six goals and six helpers. Charron’s contributions to the Cadets’ pursuits are glaring. She has registered six game winning goals and three power play markers thus far. In her second season with Norwich, the former Elmira College skater has amassed 88 goals and 41 assists in 89 career games.
Isabel Waidacher, St. Scholastica: Performing with all the cache of a veteran, the Switzerland born freshman has recorded seven multi-point outings in 11 games. Her five goals, eight point offensive outburst against Finlandia arrived in just her third game as a collegian.
Allison Era, Plattsburgh: The Glendale, AZ, senior has anchored the outstanding Cardinals defense that is apparently unsolvable as seen through the early going. Era, always an offensive threat, has a team-high 13 assists.
Megan Myers, Utica: Myers has scored points in all eight of the Pioneers games thus far, racking up seven goals and 14 points. The Las Vegas, NV, forward is well ahead of her all-time best, points-per-game average of 1.60, which she registered in her sophomore season. Myers has been an important cog in the Pioneers current six game win streak.
McKenzie Taggart, Stevenson: As an independent program in only its second season, the Mustangs are in the infancy of constructing a base for the future. Taggart has been at the forefront in that regard; finishing as leading scorer a year ago. Taggart has netted 11 goals thus far; good enough for fifth in D-III action. The sophomore forward is also tied for second with six power play goals. Taggart, who notched the first hat-trick in the Mustangs brief history in an 8-4 loss to St. Benedict earlier the month, will have an opportunity to add another entry into the record book, as she is two points shy of eclipsing the 13 points she finished with last season.
Janna Beilke-Skoug, Wisconsin-Stevens Point: Beilke-Skoug has seen a touch over 600 minutes of play in 2013; ranking her third in the country. The juniors’ positive progression has been a boon for the Pointers who rank seventh in overall team defense. Beilke-Skoug has dramatically reworked her numbers. Her GAA has fallen from 2.41 in 2012-13 to 1.49 currently and her save percentage has followed suit, increasing from .907 to .948. Beilke-Skoug stands at 8-1-1 at the break, a marked improvement from her 5-6-2 of last season.
