Dominique Lozzi '12 has been here before. The Bowdoin forward finds herself again leading the women's hockey team in goals, and getting NESCAC recognition for it.
On Monday, Lozzi was named NESCAC Player of the Week for her strong play against Hamilton and Connecticut College. Last season, Lozzi won NESCAC Women's Hockey Rookie of the Year, a notable achievement in a conference known for its competitive hockey.
"As a freshman, I was nervous, trying to figure out my role on the team," Lozzi said. "Now I'm more comfortable on the ice and playing with my teammates comes more naturally."
Last Friday at Connecticut College, Lozzi bagged two goals and two assists to lift the Polar Bears to a 6-1 victory over the Camels. Against Hamilton on Saturday, Lozzi continued her powerful play, scoring a pair of goals in a 5-4 win.
After six games, Lozzi leads the team with five goals and eight points and ranks second in the NESCAC in goals.
"Dominique came to Bowdoin with scoring talent and a high level of puck handling ability," said Head Coach Stacy Wilson.
"She continues to push herself to learn the defensive side of the game while also continuing to build on her strengths...Dominique sets a great example of what it looks like to be working towards individual improvement goals and how that positively affects the team."
Last season, the Polar Bears went 11-11-1 before falling to Colby in the NESCAC quarterfinals. As well as being the NESCAC Rookie of the Year, Lozzi netted six game-winning goals. In 23 games, she notched 14 goals and six assists. A sophomore, she currently leads the Polar Bears with 19 career goals.
"The keys of Dominique's success have been and will continue to be her strong desire to do what it takes on and off the ice in order to be a better ice hockey player when the game begins," Wilson said.
Lozzi's competitive edge is rooted in her upbringing. Lozzi grew up playing with her twin brother Michael. According to a Boston Globe article from last year, Dominique played on teams comprised of boys in the off-season.
Lozzi is a noticeably aggressive and physical player. She attended Reading High School, where she and her brother were captains of their respective hockey teams. At Bowdoin, Lozzi also competes on the women's lacrosse team.
However, Lozzi's qualities transcend the stat sheets and record books.
"What impresses me most about Dominique is her genuineness," said Wilson. "She is a person of great integrity...She also provides wonderful comic relief for the team and coaches."
This year, the hockey team is 2-1-1 in the NESCAC. Lozzi is eyeing the top place in the conference.
"I think our team has improved greatly since last year," said Lozzi. "Winning the NESCAC this season is a difficult, but realistic goal for us."