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However, five of Team USA's six games were determined by one goal. "We were good," Vittese said. "But we were not good enough. You've got to be able to capitalize on mistakes and that was the difference between us and other teams. The program isn't at the level yet, but we are trying to find a way to build it. We're trying to find the most efficient way to put a team together. We're trying to figure out how to do that. Now we have a good amount of people in the program that are staying, that should help." But Selenski said there was plenty to take away from her first Olympics. "It was a great experience and a lot of fun, and I learned a lot," she said. "It's something I can take back here to UVa and help the girls here and share my experiences. We want to bring that level of intensity back here. "Hopefully that will help us were able to experience the opening and closing ceremonies, and get back to business. It's impor- tant to experience those things, and I'm glad we were able to. "But international hockey is one thing and the Olympics are an even higher level of intensity. It was different than anything I've ever played in be- fore, but you get used to it. I think if I end up play- ing in Rio, having that under my belt will be a good thing. The pressure and the nerves, you can't really describe them. It's crazy." Being back at the college level, Selenski and Vittese seem even more prepared to dominate. Both say the speed of the international game is much faster than the ACC, and now playing in college matches has a different feel. Selenski opened the 2012 going forward. It was definitely kind of a shock to play in that kind of environment with that kind of intensity. Even from other international competi- tion, the Olympics have even a higher level of intensity." Both Selenski and Vittese have to be considered Vittese (left) and Selenski (right) helped the U.S. National Team cap- ture gold at the Pan Am Games last fall and earn a berth in the London Summer Olympics. PHOTO COURTESY UVA college season by winning the ACC Player of the Week award for the third time in her UVa career. Through the first four games, Selenski had an astounding 26 points with 10 goals and six assists, as well as among the favorites to make the 2016 Olympic squad and go with Team USA to Rio de Janeiro. They both think having more experience at the Olympic level, and continued work from those in charge of the U.S. Olympic program to improve, will make for better results in four years. "The pressure and the nerves, you can't really describe them," Selenski said. "You have to be able to know what to expect and stay focused. We two hat-trick games. During a three-game winning streak in early September, Selenski took 20 shots, 15 of which were on goal, and she scored two game-winning goals. "Obviously, the game slows down a bit at the college level," Selenski said. "But I think it is important for Michelle and I to work as hard as we can to keep that intensity up. We're trying to expose our teammates to that kind of intensity, and they can know that this is the level we can play at and the level we need to play at to be really good." But Vittese and Selenski also have to readjust CAVALIER CORNER ◆ OCTOBER 2012 ◆ 28