On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Cabrini Field Hockey team had a big win over Immaculata University with a score of 6-1. This win kept the Cavaliers in first place in the CSAC with a record of 3-0 and 8-4 overall.
This game took place on Family Day as the players invited their friends and families up to the Dixon Center to enjoy the game and celebrate a big win afterwards.
The conference game proved to be a big confidence boost to a team look for a conference championship later in the year.
The scoring for the Cavs started when freshman Stephanie Campanaro scored her first career goal only 14 minutes into the game. The goal was assisted by senior Melissa Benedetti, who contributed two goals as well.
As the first half continued, Cabrini looked to extend their lead. The reigning CSAC player of the week, sophomore Desiree Umosella scored Cabrini’s second goal with 19:41 left in the first half.
The first half closed when Benedetti scored her first goal of the game and fifth of the year. She put a rebound in from in front of the net past the goalie to put Cabrini up 3-0 as the first half closed.
Cabrini looked to extend their lead in the second half as two freshmen both scored goals to give the Cavs a 5-0 advantage. Maura Gordon scored her goal with 42 minutes left in the second half. Ten minutes later Gordon took a hard shot from the corner that got deflected by Lauren Alessi into the corner of the net.
As for the Cavs defense, sophomore goal keeper Caitlin Donahue kept Immaculata scoreless for more than 59 minutes. Senior Elissa Salantri had five saves and only let up one goal in 11 minutes of action.
“The Cavaliers played excellent in all aspects of the game today,” coach Jackie Nerney said. This was true as the Cavs controlled the ball for most of the game and when Immaculata did score, the game was already out of reach.
As each player’s family members watched with enjoyment, the players themselves could enjoy it as well late in the game with the win secured for Cabrini.
Afterwards, the team enjoyed the festivities knowing they were in good position to make a run for the CSAC championship.
Senior exercise science and health promotion major, Kate Ryan said, “the win puts us in first place and right where we want to be at the point of the season. We have a lot work to do but we couldn’t be happier at the point of the season.”
This message also rang through for other players. Business administration major Elissa Salantri said, “With our family and friends here on a day when we are in first place makes this game important for us as we go into the tough stretch of our season. It was fun to enjoy the win afterwards and we are excited for what is next for the team.”
This win was the fifth in a row for the Cavs, which is how they want to be playing as their games keep getting tougher.
The Cavs main competition this year will be Neumann College and Gwynedd Mercy as all three schools are trying to win a CSAC championship.
Cabrini will go for their sixth win in a row on Wednesday, Oct. 8 against Keystone College at 6:30 p.m. at the Dixon Center.
