Club inline hockey completed its first year last weekend, dropping a first-round game to the University of Pittsburgh in the national playoffs.

Despite coming up short, the team achieved great success in the postseason, overcoming the challenge of being a new team as well as having a small group of players.

“We came into the season not knowing what to expect as a first year team and ended up at the national tournament,” said sophomore goaltender Aaron Merkin-Morokoff.

The team was unhappy with its outcome at nationals, finishing the tournament 2-2.

“We had a great year,” said junior Gabe Morgione, the team’s assistant captain. “We should have won nationals this year, but when you have only five skaters come out for the tournament it is hard to win the close games that we needed to, like the last one.”

The team finished second in pool D, where they lost to Pittsburgh, ending the dream of winning the national title.

The last goal came on a shot from the top of the circles on the ground that ramped up and over Merkin-Morokoff.

“They beat us on a fluke goal in overtime,” said sophomore Chayce Duncan, the team’s treasurer. “They got a lucky bounce that went right over Aaron’s head. I thought that we were going to beat them. We were definitely the best team out there and I would say for the tournament as well.”

The Pioneers have some promise heading into next season as everyone will return, except for a select few who they feel are not necessary to continue the success that they had this season. For next season the team would like to have seven skaters and a goalie, eight skaters at most, for next season, according to Morgione.

“We feel that with the five guys that we had go to the tournament, we can build around them and become a powerhouse in college roller hockey,” said Morgione. “We saw what it takes to win this year, and now we know how to go about doing that.”

The Pioneers know of at least one player that they have coming to DU next year as a freshman. They also may be getting a possible transfer student from the University of Northern Colorado to help build the team to not only compete, but to win their region and make a repeat trip to nationals.

“With the new talent that we will have come in next season, it is looking promising,” said senior Steve Kaschinske, who plans to be here next year. “I just wish it was September already so we could get back on the rink.”

The second season for the Pioneers starts in September with a preseason tournament.