Women’s field hockey team has been ruthlessly preparing for its opening game against Delaware Valley, Sept. 1. During summer preseason the Lady Cav’s were working on a perfect line up, which is still being designed to build a strong team on the field this fall.
Lady Cav’s have their priorities set this season with their eyes on a championship. “The goal that is haunting us is winning the PAC title. Everyday at practice we mention it, but we have to take it one game at a time,” Coach Neary said.
The first game was a trial of who fits well in each position. Another crucial season opener was the Drew University Tournament giving the team gets an opportunity to play more competently together as a team. The Lady Cavs shutout Desales University, 3-0, and lost to Drew University, 2-4. The team is lead this season by three upperclassmen returning players; Julie Smith, senior; Holly Orlando, senior; and Anne Tye, junior. Present captains have the pressure of filling the shoes of Maureen Mcquade’s, former teammate. Neary will miss not having McQuade on the roster this year on both Lady Cavalier teams, field hockey, and lacrosse.
Freshmen on the team this year will be asked to pump up their level of play right from the start to glue the team together. Uniting the new and returning players is essential for a successful season. A freshman whose skills stand out on the field is Alyssa Soto. She has been performing outstanding since preseason and has been recognized as “a leading freshman,” Neary said. “There is a lot of competition between players, and right now they are fighting for spots.”
The summer preseason was a test of how the team will play together, but more importantly they also were able to get readjusted to the Lady Cav’s home field. “From playing on this field we have a home team advantage because teams are not used to playing on it,” Neary said. Since last year Neary believes that the condition of the uneven-bumpy field has improved tremendously.
On the defense end of the game Joanne Musiolowski is defending the goal as starting keeper. “Joanne is excellent, and the back up goalie has been proving herself as well,” Neary said.
With a goal so clear in their minds only time will tell if this dream will become reality. Stay updated online with further statistical information. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the next home game, Saturday, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m. against Haverford College.
