Shannon KeoughIt was a banner year for Cabrini fall athletics. The Cavaliers took over the Colonial States Athletic Conference Fall Championship Festival, bringing four titles back to campus. The men’s soccer team won their second straight title, women’s soccer beat the No. 1 seed and rival Marywood who eliminated them from playoffs last year and the field hockey and women’s volleyball teams won their first CSAC titles in program history. All the drama unfolded on Saturday Nov. 7 at Immaculata University.
Field hockey captures first CSAC title in program history
The women won their first CSAC title in a dramatic fashion against the No. 3 seed, Neumann University Knights, with a final score of 2-1. With 23 seconds left in the contest, junior midfielder Shannon Mulhern found the back of the cage, tallying the winning goal of the game. Sophomore forward Lauren Alessi scored the first goal of the day. Caitlin Donahue ended the game with six saves and junior back Allie Rodolico was named most valuable player. With the win the women earned an automatic bid to the Division III NCAA tournament where they will face No. 12 Christopher Newport University who received an at large bid to the tournament. The Captains have a 15-3 record and have won six straight coming into the game.
“Winning the CSAC was a huge accomplishment; I’m so proud of this team.” – Allie Rodolico
Volleyball earns first CSAC title in program history
The women’s volleyball team earned their first CSAC title in program history. The women swept Philadelphia Biblical University 3-0 to bring home the CSAC title. Senior setter Lizzie Williams, who surpassed the 1,000 mark for career assists this season, notched 29 assists in the game and earned most valuable player. Sophomore libero Courtney Able posted 22 digs and freshman opposite Megan Ryan recorded a team high 11 kills. Junior middle Stephanie Recklau notched nine kills and senior outside hitter Traci Beltz recorded six. The Cavs earned their first NCAA tournament bid in program history as part of an eight-team regional. The competition will continue at No. 2 ranked Juniata College on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. It will be held in the Memorial Gymnasium at the Kennedy Sports and Recreation Centers.
Women’s soccer earns title in overtime against no. 1 seed
The women’s soccer team came away with its first CSAC crown since the 2003 season after a heart-wrenching overtime victory against rival and No. 1 seed Marywood University. Marywood eliminated Cabrini from the CSAC tournament last year. Junior forward Annmarie Kolla scored the game winner with 5:04 remaining in overtime. Kolla walked away with most valuable player honors after her stellar performance. Freshman goalkeeper Maddy Edwards finished the day with six saves in the win. The lady Cavs have earned their first bid to the NCAA tournament since the 2003 season. The women will take on No. 10 ranked Johns Hopkins University on Saturday, Nov. 14 at noon at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Senior standout and leading scorer Sabina DeGisi was not able to play in the championship contest as she suffered a season ending leg injury in the semifinals. The Blue Jays of Johns Hopkins have won 14 of their 15 contests coming into the match.
Men’s soccer repeats as CSAC Champions
The men’s soccer team repeated as CSAC champions protecting their reign as CSAC champions, shutting out the tournament’s host, Immaculata University 2-0. Senior goalkeeper Bryan Johnson notched his 16th career shutout when it mattered most. Senior midfielder Brian Moran took home most valuable player honors. Senior midfielder Brian Raffle and sophomore midfielder Eric Collins scored in the contest. With the win, the Cavaliers earned their second straight automatic bid to the Division III NCAA tournament where they will also face No. 7, Christopher Newport University, in Newport News, Va. at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14.
“Winning two straight CSAC championships makes my soccer career here at Cabrini complete. It’s a great feeling to get back to the NCAA tournament because it’s where we belong.” – Jason Moran
