Cabrini College’s field hockey team suffered a 3-0 defeat Saturday, Nov. 8, losing the Colonial States Athletic Conference title to Neumann College, at the Edith Robb Dixon Field.
Proceeding the game, the team received a plaque honoring their placement of second within the CSAC.
Despite the loss, the team’s reception of the plaque signified the end of a commendable and strong season.
“They have all progressed and played as a team so well. They are all good players,” Beth Ewan, mother of freshman midfielder Samantha Ewan, said.
A slow start described the first half of the game, as neither team scored.
Cabrini’s crowd of fans maintained a heightened spirit, however, as cowbells were rung and “we want a goal” was shouted.
Sophomore goalkeeper Caitlin Donahue kicked and slid to catch the ball in efforts to keep Neumann from scoring.
Donahue’s blocks were part of a collaborative team effort to maintain a final first half score of 0-0.
As the second half opened and developed, Neumann senior forward Rachael DiCicco scored with merely 20 minutes left in the half.
Neumann continued to gain an advantage as another goal was made with about 15 minutes left.
A final goal was scored, securing their win, with a little less than three minutes on the clock.
“I thought we played well. It just wasn’t our day. There is always next year,” Amanda Costa, sophomore occupational therapy major, said of the team’s game performance.
Immediately following the game, the CSAC award ceremony began.
It was during the ceremony that tears welled in many of the player’s eyes over a realization that their 2008 fall season had ended. The overall season and both personal and team achievements were reflected by some of the players.
“It was the most amazing experience. The girls became my second family,” Allie Rodillico, sophomore communication major, said of their season.
Cabrini’s field hockey team had much to celebrate Saturday, as their overall record was 16 wins and five losses. Their loss Saturday was only the first out of a 13-game winning streak.
With the close of the season, many of the girls have recognized that they had a memorable one. Anticipation is lingering, however, for 2009.
