 Jessica Wilson and Michelle Lombardi, pictured here on Senior Day with their parents, helped in building Boston College's reputation as a formidable women's hockey program.
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Seniors Michelle Lombardi and Jess Wilson - the last remaining members of what was an eight-player freshman class for BC women's ice hockey in 2003-2004 - have just about seen it all in their four seasons at the Heights.
"We had a pretty big freshmen class - if you asked me freshman year which of us would still be here, I wouldn't have said us two," says Lombardi. "But we've been through it all together and it's nice to have someone else there, who knew what it was like freshman year when we were horrible, and was on the team as we grew. It's nice to have that shared experience with someone."
"When I chose to come to BC … it wasn't for the hockey program, let's put it that way," continued Lombardi. That year the Eagles went 7-23-3.
But in their four years under the tutelage of coach Tom Mutch, Lombardi and Wilson have helped lead the team to unprecedented accomplishment.
Now, with their college hockey careers waning, they have one last chance to win a Hockey East title and make the national tournament.
Lombardi, of Milton, Mass., is a fourth-line left winger on this year's Eagles. She has 12 goals and 13 assists on her career. Wilson, a defender from Guilford, Conn., has a goal and two assists.
But their teammates will tell you that their contributions far exceed what you see on the score sheet. Lombardi serves as co-captain with junior Deb Spillane, and Wilson also is revered on the team as a leader.
"They are really the unsung heroes because they work so hard and have the respect of everyone on the team," says freshman forward Megan Keever, who added that the two have served as role models for her during her first year at college.
"Being such a young team this year, it is has been unbelievable to have seniors to look up to like [Wilson] and [Lombardi]," says goalie Molly Schaus of the seniors. "They have been great leaders and role models both on and off the ice, always setting the bar high and leading by example. Away from hockey they are just great friends to be around and they will be tough skates to fill."
Spring Break
