MOUNDSVILLE – Adrian College is enjoying a brilliant women’s hockey season. A John Marshall High graduate is a major reason for the Michigan-based school’s success.

Kristin Lewicki has been nothing short of sensational for the Bulldogs this year. Her brilliant play has helped Adrian record a 25-2-1 mark while winning its conference tournament crown on Sunday with a 2-0 triumph over St. Norbert.

That victory propels the Bulldogs into their second NCAA tournament appearance in program history since making their debut in 2011. Adrian College will host Elmira College on Saturday in the first round of the NCAA Division III Women’s Ice Hockey Championship. It marks the first time that Adrian has hosted an NCAA women’s tournament game.

“Kristin is having a “Laura Hurd”-type season which is our Heisman Trophy for NCAA Division III women’s hockey. She is a game changer,” said Adrian head coach Chad Davis. “She has great endurance which allows her to play a ton of minutes and play at her top speed.

“Kristin’s speed and playmaking skills are outstanding. She has the ability to skate into tight areas to create plays with her puck skills,” he added. “I feel she is the most dynamic player in the country. She is a very humble athlete and plays with heart every night.”

The former Monarch has been dazzling on ice this winter. She has netted 32 goals while also recording 16 assists.

“My college experience at Adrian has been much better than I could have ever imagined. The coaches have been great and the team gets along so well,” Lewicki said. “Everybody has worked so hard this season and it has paid dividends. We are excited and focused for Saturday’s game.”

Lewicki also turned in a banner sophomore season, scoring 12 goals and adding 25 assists while earning All-NCHA honors as a forward.

She was an instant impact performer for the Bulldogs, gaining NCHA All-Rookie honors as a freshman. She led Division III in shorthanded goals (5) while recording 14 goals and 13 assists. The former Monarch tallied three game-winning goals.

At John Marshall, Lewicki played on the Monarchs’ boys’ hockey team while also competing in softball and basketball all four years and two years of volleyball. She also excelled in the classroom, graduating with honors and as a member of the National Honor Society.

She honed her hockey skills with Team Pittsburgh, a national team based in the Steel City. The team played in tournamentsthroughout the nation.

Lewicki ended up in Michigan thanks to her association with Team Pittsburgh.

“I wanted to go to a great hockey school. So did my coaches with Team Pittsburgh,” Lewicki said. “They were a great help in me connecting with Adrian. It has worked out tremendously.

“I played with them from the age of 12-19. We traveled two or three weekends every month. We had girls from all over the country, so we didn’t practice much,” she added. “Playing with the John Marshall boys enabled me to get on the ice more. It also helped with my speed and stick handling. It was a positive experience.”

The Elmira Soaring Eagles are 21-4-1 on the season. Adrian defeated Elmira in the season opener, 4-1, on Oct. 31.

“Our team has been road warriors traveling to Vermont, Duluth and Minneapolis by bus, so it’s nice to host a playoff game. Our season has been going well overall. We are working hard toward our ultimate goal of a national championship,” Davis said. “We are not taking any opponent for granted and know we are about to face our most intense games of the season.I think we have a special group of athletes that have shown the mental toughness to get the W in every situation and Kristin has been a big reason why.”

After next season, Lewicki is uncertain what role hockey will play in her life.

“They have started a women’s national league. That may be worth a try,” she said. “But I am majoring in criminal justice. I hope to become an FBI agent.”

Lewicki is the daughter of Roger and Sue Lewicki of Moundsville.

Kapral may be reached at bkapral@timesleaderonline.com