Currently on a six-game winning-streak, the women’s field hockey team defeated Immaculata at home on Oct. 23rd. The Lady Cavs have earned the first-placespot in the Colonial States Athletic Conference, making them the team to beat.
The first half started off slow for the Lady Cavs. Despite dominating offensively with 15-2 shots on goal. Lady Cavs were unable to convert offensive plays to goals allowing for Immaculata (5-11, 3-2 Sac) to hang around.
“We started off flat but picked it up about late in the first half,” Julie Smith, assistant coach, said.
With six minutes remaining in the first half, freshman Kylie McDevitt assisted sophomore Kerry Anne Farrell for the first goal of the night.
When asked about McDevitt’s new contributions to the team Smith praised the transfer-freshman. “She has really come in and taken us to the next level,” Smith said. “She hasn’t played hockey in two years and you can’t even tell.”
With the score 1-0 the Cavs’ confidence intensified and sent a clear message to their opponent.
The second half started with a battle of wills, Immaculata not backing down to anything Cabrini did. Head coach Jackie Neary emphatically encouraged her team from the sidelines. “Keep working hard it will pay off,” she said.
With 10 minutes left in the game, junior Karlie Gruccio made a power pass to freshman Taylor Mack who put the final nail in the coffin. Mack, who is also having a stand-out first year, made that her sixth goal of the season.
A great night for the Lady Cavs and for head coach Jackie Neary who received her 400th career win. The only other Cabrini team to accomplish such a feat is the men’s basketball team led by head coach, John Dzik.
Since beginning CSAC play, the Lady Cavs are undefeated and are 6-0 in conference play.
Cavaliers were back in action on Saturday Oct. 26th on the road at Keystone College for their conference finale.
The Blue and White fell behind in the first half after two goals from Keystone early in the first half.
Although the Lady Cavs out shot Keystone 10-5 and nine penalty corners in the first half, they could not break through.
After the second half started, Cabrini scored in the 42nd minute with an assist coming from sophomore Jen Webb and senior Stephanie Toomey finished the goal.
Cabrini continued to put up 10 shots in the second half. The Cavaliers put the pressure on Keystone specifically in the final 30 minutes with five shots, three penalty corners but could not score another goal to tie the score.
This marks the Cavs first loss in CSAC play this season. The Cavaliers are back in action to end their regular season on Saturday as they host Alvernia University, the game is set to start at noon.
