Okayama University’s Women’s Ice Hockey Club took second place at the 6th Japan Collegiate Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament, which was held at an ice skating rink in Tsukisamu Gymnasium and Hoshioki Ice Skating Rink (Sapporo, Hokkaido) from October 18 to 21.

A total of 16 Japanese collegiate teams that survived their regional preliminaries participated in this tournament. The 16 teams were split into four groups for the preliminary round, and four preliminary round winners—Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo Women’s College of Physical Education, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, and Okayama University—participated in the final round. Okayama University’s team’s goal for this year was to make it to the tournament final. Before the team played in the semifinal, its members encouraged one another, saying: “We worked hard during this year for this day. Let’s go all out with confidence!” They played in the semifinal with a keen desire and resolution to win as well as self-confidence they had developed through their day-to-day efforts.

Regrettably, Okayama University lost the final game to Nippon Sport Science University 2 to 3. However, they did a very good job in the final and nearly upset the three-time defending champion. The team’s captain, Nanaho Takami, a junior in the Faculty of Engineering, said: “I’m really glad we achieved our goal. I want to thank my teammates. I’ll continue to do all what I can to make myself and my team grow further.”

Among the best six players of the tournament, Yoko Nishi, a senior in the Faculty of Education, was chosen as one of the best forwards and Maho Okamoto, a senior in the Faculty of Economics, was chosen as one of the best defenders. They were the first players to receive an individual award at a national tournament in the history of Okayama University’s ice hockey clubs.