The Portage Collegiate Saints finished up their first half of the season today on home ice.

PCI was defeated 6-1 by the Westwood Warriors but showed some promise as they got the puck to the areas they wanted in the third period. Head coach Jo-Anne Clark-Gillespie says she's very impressed by the team's mentality.

"I'm proud that they're not getting frustrated. I think it's good that we're going on a break now because the frustration is starting to creep in," Clark-Gillespie explains. "We're happy with how hard they're working but we still think they can bring more, and we can do a little bit better. We have eight games left after Christmas, only one home game, so it's going to be a grind."

Lauren Bryson picked up the lone goal for the Saints today, with goalie Abby Reichert being credited with the assist.

The head coach notes the break for the holidays either comes at the best or the worst time.

"It's always one of two ways at Christmas time. You're either breaking the momentum when you're playing well, or else it's like this, where we need a break right now, so we can come back and press the reset button."

Clark-Gillespie and her coaching staff are glad the girls will have this time to relax but they have stressed that the players make sure they stay hydrated, so they can hopefully be fully healthy to start the new year.

The Saints will return to action on January 6 in Winnipeg for a rematch with the Westwood Warriors. PCI's final home game of the season will take place on Thursday, January 12 at the BDO Centre.