In what was almost a shutout until the last nine seconds of the game when the Lady Cavaliers trounced their local rival Rosemont College 6-1.
The younger girls on the team came up strong with five out of the six goals being scored by freshmen and sophomores.
“It was definitely a good day for the younger girls on the team, a lot of them came out of their shells,” Allie Rodolico, junior communication major, said.
With many games behind them, the women’s field hockey team has turned around a tough early season by winning four out of their last five games. Their most recent match ups have also been within their conference. If the team ends their season strong, they will be in a good position for the Colonial States Athletic Conference semi-finals; currently they are in fourth place among the nine teams.
“We’re excited about the rest of the season and the playoffs. We haven’t had a great season, but we have played well over the last couple of weeks,” Rodolico said.
Playing in steady rain, sophomore Maura Gordon got things going in the right direction with the team’s first goal. She was assisted by junior Desiree Umosella. Umosella gained another assist when she got the ball to freshman Lindsey Atzert for the second goal of the game, her third of the season.
Freshmen Rita McKeown followed her classmate with the team’s third goal and the first of her college career, assisted by Regina Bucher. Before the first half had ended, sophomore Janine Zizzamia put one in unassisted for the Cavs; this was also her first collegiate goal.
“Putting four points on the board in the first half was great. It definitely took a lot of pressure off of us and our defense. It also built momentum each time someone scored,” Rodolico said.
Cavalier fans in the stands showed their excitement by waving signs and ringing cow bells.
The game’s second half saw a let up in the rain, but not in the determination of the Lady Cavs. Their fifth goal was scored by sophomore Lauren Alessi with an assist from Regina Bucher and the sixth came from an unassisted Bucher; between goals and assists, she totaled four points on the day. Rosemont’s only goal was scored with nine seconds left on the game clock by Ashley Conti, assisted by Chelsea Reeve.
Junior Caitlin Donahue was in goal for the Cavs. Only recently back on the field after having to sit out the early season due to a torn MCL, Donahue saw very little action as Cabrini kept the play down at their opponent’s end of the field.
With a shutout against Immaculata on Oct.3, Donahue played forty eight minutes before Coach Neary gave her a break and replaced her with freshman Vick King.
King has had the opportunity for a lot of early college career experience as she took over the goal tending duties while Donahue was recuperating on the sidelines.
Reflecting on the game, freshmen Lindsey Atzert and Rita McKeown both agreed that the early, first half time out called by Neary helped to bring the team together and get them focused. It was within minutes of returning to the field, that the first goal was scored.
“It felt great!” McKeown said.
McKeown usually plays defense, but was put in as a midfielder for this game.
“The position was a change for me, but I liked playing offense, there’s a lot more handling of the ball,” McKeown said.
Cavalier field hockey hopes to continue their winning ways and finish the season strong. Lindsey Atzert echoes the feelings of all her teammates and their fans when she says, “I can’t wait for the rest of the season. I am so excited!”
