Tyler LouderSportswriter

Unmatched, unstoppable and undefeated are all words that can define the SDSU Jacks women’s club hockey team.

Unlike most athletes, the Jacks don’t receive scholarships, because they are a club team. They take time and money out of their own pockets to play the sport they love.

Their efforts have been proven impressive by there 9-0 record and their number two ranking in the West Region, only behind Rainy River Community College. The region’s top three teams will make the national tournament at season’s end in Kalamazoo, Mich. The final ranking will come out Feb. 16.

But where is this success coming from?

“There are a couple of reasons for our early success, we have a very solid core of defense-men, along with our three goalies that have some of the best statistics in the country,” said coach Heath Isaacson. “We’re an extremely fast team this year. Most importantly, however, is that this team gels well off the ice.

“Many of the players are in the same campus groups, have classes together, and just spend a lot of time together off the ice,” he said.

The Jackrabbits are not only solid defensively, but they know how to score – and in bunches. SDSU is averaging nine goals per game for the season and has out-scored opponents, 81-17.

Isaacson said that a well-rounded attack has been important to the Jackrabbits’ hot start.

“Every player has had a standout performance for us in at least one game this season,” Isaacson said. “We are a team full of leaders this year … leaders on the ice, off the ice, emotional leaders and spiritual leaders. As a coach, that is what I want.”

The Jacks finish off the semester with two road games against University of Minnesota-Duluth this weekend. SDSU will have six home games after the break, including series against North Dakota State and Iowa State. With their success in past years, they have been drawing higher caliber of players to come play.

“I, along with the team, would like to thank all of our fans for coming out,” he said. “We have seen larger crowds for our home games and hope that will continue next semester, especially when we take on NDSU on both Jan. 22 and 23.

“Playing in front of a nice crowd always give’s the ladies on the team extra motivation, Isaacson said. “Thank you.”