MARSHALL - After its first season without winning the Southwest Conference title, the Marshall girls hockey team is ready to get back in contention.

Prior to the 2008 season, the Tigers won four straight conference titles. But last year, Windom Area came out on top.

"We won four years in a row and then graduated a good group of seniors," said Marshall head coach Kevin Schroeder. "One of our team goals this year is to get back in contention for the SWC title. They've been working hard. Our conference is going to be tough. Luverne is probably the favorite this year. They'll be solid."

Marshall started the 2008 season 1-9, including losses to state-ranked teams in Crookston (5), South St. Paul (8) and New Ulm (15). But then Marshall stepped up its play and won seven of 12 games, including five wins against Section 3A opponents, to close out the regular season 8-14 overall.

In the section playoffs, the fifth-seeded Tigers were defeated 3-1 on the road against fourth-seeded Fairmont.

"We lost five seniors to graduation (from the 2008 team)," Schroeder said. "We've replaced them with seven kids that have never played at the high school level. It will take some time to learn everything. It will take a handful of games to see how the young kids handle things. It should be interesting."

For the Tiger team to find success, they'll have to have players step into big roles held by goalie Sarah Schneekloth and forward Brittney Dwire.

"It's going to be tough to replace Sarah," said Schroeder. "She was pretty solid. She was head and shoulders above other kids in the area."

Schneekloth earned Honorable Mention All-State honors in 2008 in addition to helping Marshall win over 100 games in her high school career. Dwire played defense and was one of the top offensive players last year.

"Brittney was an all-around player," Schroeder said. "She led by example and wasn't afraid to go out there and take control of the game. We'll definitely miss her leadership."

Also lost to graduation was Kayla Noyes, Megan Knutson and Jessie Kimpling.

"We'll have a lot of inexperience again this year," said Schroeder. "I'm curious to see how it'll go. All you can do is ask that they work hard and get better every single game. That's the position we're taking - work hard and when playoff time comes, anything can happen."

Two players look to contend for Schneekloth's vacated slot between the pipes. Sophomore Mary Beth Brungardt and seventh-grader Paige Moravetz are expected to battle for the goalie position.

"Mary Beth and Paige have been working hard," Schroeder said. "We don't know what to expect yet. The two will be competing for the spot. Mary Beth has been around for three years on and off being goalie. We're hoping that she'll step up."

Offensively, the team will look to junior Rachel Peters, who also received Honorable Mention All-State last season, after finishing as the Tigers' top scorer. In addition, senior Jenny Schwieger and junior Bridgette Louwagie will be called upon to help the attack.

"Rachel and Brittney led us offensively last year," said Schroeder. "Jenny and Bridgette will be forwards. We're hoping to get a lot of scoring from Rachel, Jenny and Bridgette since they're upperclassmen."

With an inexperienced squad, Schroeder said that Marshall will heavily rely on its defensive effort.

"This year we'll have to focus on playing solid defense," he said. "We'll have to have patience and learn how to control the puck. We'll really have to take care of the puck."

Senior Heidi Schroepfer is expected to lead the defensive charge for the Tigers. Sophomores Lauren Hansen, Dani Crowell and Maranda Esparza will also play defense.

"Heidi is a scrappy player and leads by example," said Schroeder. "She's a hard worker. Lauren had a broken ankle last season. Both her and Dani will help out defensively. They're looking pretty good. Maranda will help out on defense, too. Seventh-grader Sara Antony is also working with the defense."

Marshall had one scrimmage this year, against a solid Willmar team. Schroeder said that it was a good opportunity to show the younger players what level of play they can expect.

"The scrimmage didn't go too badly," he said. "We have a lot of kids that have played hockey, but just at the 12-under level and not the high school level. Kids are stronger and things are faster at our level. It'll take some time for them to learn it all."

Marshall opens the season on the road today against the New Ulm Eagles. The Tigers host their first game at 1 p.m. Saturday against Orono at the Schwan's Ice Arena.