2008 Woodie Awards
Field Hockey Turns Corner, Wins NEC Opener
Erica Rico Staff Reporter
Issue date: 9/22/05 Section: Sports
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The ladies claimed their first victory when they defeated Brown University Wednesday, September 15, 3-0. Junior midfielder Jenna Mclane scored two goals, while junior forward Becky Ford scored the other goal, to give the Pioneers their first triumph.
"We were relieved when we took home our first win," McClane said. Taking home their first win mentally changed the women. "It was a confidence builder; we will continue to take one step at a time," said Nicole Falco, a senior midfielder from Ocean, N.J.
The women went on to seal their first conference win on Sunday when they shut out the St. Francis Red Flashes with seven goals. Ford scored three of the seven. Other goals were scored by junior midfielder Sarah Yeaton, freshman midfielder Becky Dyson, junior midfielder Colleen Carney , and sophmore forward Jenn Howeley.
These women have begun to make their comeback and things are beginning to fall into place for the team.
"We are learning to have fun with the game. The past two games it has been enjoyable for us instead of feeling down," Falco said.
"The wins have given us confidence. This confidence will help us come through to win the rest of the season," said McLane, who is from Stowe, Vt. The team goal is to win the Northeast Conference and they are now on the route to obtain that.
The lineup is young this year and with little experience at this level it takes time for rookies to adapt to a competitive Division One program.
"Upperclassmen have been accepting to the freshman class. Even though we have come in and taken away playing time they respect us and are really great about it," said Amy Hendricks, a freshman from Milford, Pa.
Players and Coaches have remained patient and kept their heads up even when things could not get much worse.
"Being a young team, we take things one step at time and learn from each step. We have gotten better and better, step by step," said Ford, who is from Salem, N.H.
"Early in the season things were a mess... but they are coming together, and we are less frustrated and more happy, which in turn will help us continue to win our games," Hendricks said.
As the season rolls on it will be apparent whether the team's fate will be as they hope for. The women face seven upcoming conference games that will decide weather they will make it to the playoffs.
They are currently ranked third in the conference polls, which is a good sign that they will go on to the NEC tournament.
As the women take one game at a time and hold the momentum, they control their destiny.