Buffalo State's women's hockey team held its end-of-the-year banquet on Saturday at the Pearl Street Grill and recognized several individuals with various team awards.

Senior goalie Rachel Bennett (Howell, MI/Howell) took home the "Unsung Hero" Award for the second consecutive season. Junior goalie Meredith Larsen (Ann Arbor, MI/Pioneer) was named the Most Improved Player, and freshman forward Casey Bull (Lockport/Lockport) was honored as the Rookie of the Year. Goalie Shannon Anesetti (Canonsburg, PA/Canon-McMillan) was honored as the team's Most Valuable Player.

The Bengal Award, a new distinction this season, was presented to senior defenseman Courtney Wagner (Connellsville, PA/Connellsville). The award will be given annually to the player who embodies the ideal characteristics of a true student-athlete and is a leader on and off the ice.

The 2007-08 captains (as voted by the players) were also introduced. Mary Cohen (Ann Arbor, MI/Pioneer) and Jackie Blanchard (Delmar/Bethlehem) were named captains, and Melissa Jeckovich (Niagara Falls/Niagara Falls) and Samantha Simpson (Fairbanks, AK/West Valley) will be assistants.