All About Jill
To the State Tournament, February 2007
Mark Jacobs
Talks about Jill,
Feb 19, 2007
John,
Thank you for your
interest in Marshall Hockey the last couple of
years. We have had lots fun with it, the team has a
great group of girls, and some good coaches who get
the best from them.
Jill has had an exciting few days leading up to the
section final. I would say going into the New Ulm
game Jill was confident, but nervous. She was
pretty quiet on Friday, and didn’t have a lot to
say, but we wished her well. This game was bigger
than our girls have ever played in before, but I
could tell they weren’t scared, they didn’t wonder
if they could win, they knew they could win.
When the game ended, the
exuberance from Jill and girls was fun to see. It
was also fun to see the handshake line, New Ulm was
congenial, and Marshall did not rub any celebration
in. Jill and New Ulm’s best player Tiffany Hoffman,
gave an extra hug to each other in the line (they
have played against each since age 10). They talk
afterward, and Tiffany told Jill best of luck and
represent 3A well.
Jill was flying high after the game, and said she
didn’t sleep that night, just replaying the game
over and over in her head (she said).
I think by Sunday, it
really sunk in for Jill, that Marshall is going to
the State Tournament, as all the preparations had to
be made, the banquet, Monday and Tuesday’s practice,
etc.
They have one hour of school on Tuesday, practice
for an hour, and head to St. Paul. Jill is quietly
excited for this opportunity, on the outside her
face is glowing with pride.
A couple different times
she just blurted out “can you believe we are going
to State”.
Jill and the team know that Crookston is an
excellent team, but they also know they can play
with them, and if they play well, they have a
chance.
Take Care,
Mark Jacobs
by John of MNPuck,
February 21, 2007
Marshall Tigers vs.
Crookston
Girls Class A State Tournament quarter-finals
Xcel Center, St. Paul
The Marshall Tiger players
entered the arena. The band playing their school
fight song. Jill stepped to the ice and skated
off. There was an elegance about her skating.
She seemed taller, more "graceful". Almost
"regal". Somewhat like a thoroughbred among
ordinary horses.
She seemed to take the led
during warm-ups. As though she was the team
captain. Even though there was no "C" designation on her
jersey. It was Jill who warmed-up the goalie
while teammates did their skate-around. And, she
was the last Marshall Tiger to leave the ice when warm-ups
were done. The team's "quiet leader".
At the conclusion of the game,
Jill lead the team in their post-game hand-shake line.
from Mark Jacobs,
February 28, 2007
On first seeing the Xcel Center:
We have been going to the final five
for a number of years, so Jill has been in the facility
prior. Thoughts on
coming–onto-the-ice for the first time. Jill said she was very proud to come on the ice, the
first thing she saw and heard was the band playing the
school song, and that was exciting and got her nerves going. On
having her name announced in the arena. An arena that can seat 18,500 fans. Very cool, very sweet, very fun On the
skill level of the competition. We had played both those teams prior and did compete
better with them earlier. Their teams overall improvement
during the year was very good.
Watching the other teams were impressive also, not only
individuals but overall teams play were very good. Most of
the team’s defensive players were excellent. They held the
blue lines; they all regrouped well at center ice. Good
defensive play are keys to good teams. The teams had good
puck handlers, and good passing. (not just 2-3 players)
Her feelings when the score
was mounting against Marshall. She said she just didn’t want to be embarrassed,
although the
Austin game was close to it.
[ Crookston game - - 0-5,
Austin game - - 0-7
]
