Once junior attacker Trenna Hill’s shot met the back of the net, the route was on for the College as they walked away with an 18-4 victory over Cabrini College on Saturday, March 24.
Hill’s initial goal was followed by three scores by junior attacker Alex Spark, who led the No. 4-ranked Lions with six points in the game. The duo was two of eight Lions who scored goals against the Cavaliers.
“Out on the field we are all players of the game, we all have the ability to score and win games,” Spark said. “It shows that we have a good balance on our team and we like to work for each other.”
Spark was able to work with sophomore midfielder Lauren Pigott, who scored two of her team-high five goals off of assists from Spark.
“Both times I was able to find her, I had already drawn more than one defender,” Spark said. “Pigott continued to make the cut into the open space, allowing me to make the pass.”
Senior attacker Sara Keating was another Lion who recorded multiple goals, tallying three in the first half.
The scoring for the Lions in the second half was led by the freshman class as midfielder Lydia Carra and attackers Erin Healy and Kendel Borup recorded points.
Healy started it off when she notched herself a goal after receiving a pass from senior midfielder Kathleen Notos — the assist was Notos’ first of the season. Carra registered two goals in the second half, getting assists from Borup and Healy.
Although Erin Waller is the only freshman to get a nod in the starting lineup this season — opening the game against Frostburg State University — Spark has been impressed by the overall play of the rookie class.
“The freshman class has some really strong players, and when they get their chance on the field they take full advantage of it and work their hardest,” Spark said.
The Lions defense was strong again against the Cavaliers in front of sophomore goalkeeper Kelsey Zinck, who only surrendered three goals. Zinck was able to use her communication skills to keep the defense unified, and the results showed it as the Cavaliers only got ten shots off.
“Kelsey had a great game today and always plays well,” Spark said. “She looks like a natural goalie and is very vocal on the field which helps the team stay organized.”
Pigott has been effective for the Lions on defense yet again — she’s been named the NJAC Defender of the Week three straight times this year — compiling six draw controls and four ground balls. Notos was also strong defensively with five draw controls, two ground balls and a team-high two caused turnovers.
Meanwhile, senior midfielder Leigh Mitchell moved closer to history as she scored one goal and added two assists against the Cavaliers. Mitchell is now only 15 points away from tying former teammate Ali Jaeger’s record of 364 career points.
Mitchell’s next step toward that mark will be challenging, as the Lions — who now stand at 7-1 — will be back in action on Friday, March 30, when they meet the top-ranked team in the country, Gettysburg College.
