As the season has progressed, the momentum has mounted for the Greenwich High School varsity girls ice hockey team.

With each game, the Cardinals have shown improvement as their opponents can certainly attest to.

Greenwich continued its impressive play in its latest game, a matchup against FCIAC opponent Fairfield Ludlowe-Warde co-op. Registering goals in each period, the Cardinals extended their winning streak to five games, defeating Fairfield co-op, 4-0, at Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink on Jan. 29th.

Junior forward Eleanor Fine scored two goals and sophomore forward Miren Woolven recorded one goal and one assist in Greenwich’s victory against Fairfield co-op, a win that raised its record to 9-5-1 overall and 2-3 in the FCIAC.

“I think they’re coming along great, they’re starting to come together,” Greenwich coach Mike Lisjak said of his squad. “They are starting to play unselfish hockey. When you play unselfish, we’re a hard team to beat.”

During Greenwich’s five-game win streak, it has posted victories against Simsbury (twice), Ridgefield, West Haven and Fairfield co-op. The Cardinals have outscored their foes 25-5, during their five-game success streak. Indeed, the Cardinals have a positive mindset going into each game, which has aided their cause.

“We have very positive team energy,” Greenwich junior forward/captain Mady Jones said following the Cards’ win over Fairfield. “Before the game, everyone is together and cheering and dancing before the game and in between periods. We’re cheering everyone on.”

The win marked Greenwich’s second victory against Fairfield co-op this season. GHS topped Fairfield, 8-3, at Sacred Heart University on Jan. 8.

“They’re a really great team, they came out strong, especially since the last time we played them,” Cardinals senior forward/captain Allie Studwell said of Fairfield. “We were able to see our passing game. Practice has really paid off obviously and we’re just really happy with the result.”

Fine gave Greenwich a 1-0 lead when she scored off an assist from freshman forward Alexa Kwasniewski with 7:39 remaining in the first period. In the second period, Greenwich padded its advantage. Freshman defender Madeleine Weiner tallied with 3:42 to go, putting the hosts ahead, 2-0.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the ice, the Cardinals played sound defense, limiting Fairfield co-op’s shots on goal. When the visitors did generate scoring chances, sophomore goalie Eleanor Woolven was on the scene to turn the shots away.

“We really try to keep our gaps tight and work together and communicate a lot,” said Greenwich senior defender/captain Carlyn Duffy, who helped pace the Cards’ stellar defensive effort. “We always have someone in front of the net, which has been a big thing we’ve worked on and just try to look for open forwards.”

Duffy credited Eleanor Woolven’s consistent performance in goal.

“Our goalie is doing great,” Duffy noted. “She has really gotten amazing at seeing the puck and not being screened.”

Greenwich capped the win by tallying twice in the third period. Sophomore forward Miren Woolven scored off an assist from Weiner, giving the Cards a 3-0 edge with 4:44 in the third period. Fine added a goal with 1:59 remaining in the matchup, making the final score 4-0.

Miren Woolven assisted on Fine’s second tally of the game.

Indeed, coach Lisjak saw plenty of positive signs from his squad in their latest victory.

“We’ve got some good speed,” said coach Lisjak, whose daughter, Lexi, a sophomore, is one of the Cards’ top forwards. “We would like to work on our forecheck and get the puck down low. Everything that we’re practicing, everything that we’re working at, we’re coming together. We’re able to roll three lines and it’s fun.”

Greenwich has exhibited depth throughout the season.

“Everyone is getting a shot, we’re putting kids in the right opportunity to get out there,” coach Lisjak said. “Great leadership from the seniors and juniors – the sophomores and freshmen have been awesome. We’re having a lot of fun. They get after it, they’re having a good time.”

Being a captain, of course, is enjoyable for the Cards’ leaders.

“It feels great, I love leading all these girls and they’re really easy to lead, because they’re all hard working and it’s just been a great season so far,” Studwell said. “I’m happy with all our improvement. The younger players are doing good, they’re fitting in really well. They are very loud, positive and we love having them.”

“Our friendships are really strong on the team, which is good and I love playing with everyone,” Duffy said of being a captain.

Greenwich is currently in fourth place in the FCIAC. The top four teams qualify for the FCIAC Girls Hockey Tournament. The Cardinals play Wilton on Feb. 4 at Winter Garden Ice Arena in an FCIAC game, then host non-conference foe Woodstock Academy on Feb. 7 on Senior Day at 5:45 p.m. at Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink.

Qualifying for the FCIAC Tournament is, obviously, one of Greenwich’s goals.

“We haven’t made it to FCIACs in a while,” Jones said. “Our first step was here and now we are looking forward, trying to play our best every game and leave it all out there.”

“We want to stay humble, we want to stay hungry,” coach Lisjak said. “We’re getting to where we want to be and the girls are doing a great job.”