The Warhawks are off to a strong start to the season with a record of (3-3-1). This past weekend the women tied UW-Lacrosse 0-0 and defeated Ripon College 10-1.

Coming out of a tough 12 days, the women were determined to win.

“The morale of the team is positive yet intense,” forward Emily Gerber said. “We enjoy to have fun but yet we need to take care of business when its time. With this said, we take every day one day at a time.”

Junior Christina Tooren suffered a broken arm and has been out the past few games, but was cleared Tuesday to begin practicing. The coach is in high hopes her injury will not affect the season.

“We definitely could have used her the last couple of games; I think it would have helped our team a lot,” coach Greg Henschel said. “It happens and we have been hanging in there.”

The team has taken over Tooren’s spot on the offensive side as a group. In particular, according to Henschel, Gerber has kept the team moving forward.

“It has been the entire team that has achieved and will achieve our success this year and not just one player,” Gerber said. “With a young team, we will continue to get better as the year proceeds.”

Looking to face UW-Platteville in a conference game, the team feels the growing pressure as co-conference champs last year.

“I think all of the conference teams are going to give us one of their best games of the year,” Henschel said. “I think if we expect anything less than that from Platteville we’re not being honest with ourselves.”

The team is currently working on finding their collective effort in game play to secure more wins. Coach Henschel said the women are looking to put all the parts together, which will take a little time.

“I feel great about where this team is at,” Henschel said. “Where this team is at now, compared to last year, I think we are in a really good place.”

The women look to repeat as conference champions, but Henschel said, “On a bigger picture than that, they are looking to try and get into the NCAA tournament.” The `Hawks were close to making the NCAA tournament last year but did not receive the consideration.

UW-Whitewater hosts UW-Platteville at 5 p.m. tonight on Residence Hall Association Night at Fiskum Field. Admission for students is free.

“Platteville will be a tough game just like every other conference game this year,” Gerber said. “Being defending conference champs, everyone is out to get us. We just need to stick to our game plan and play hard. If we do this, I think we will be just fine.”