One week after a disappointing loss to Stevens Institute of Technology, the Lions bounced back with a critical 6-1 win against FDU-Florham in their home opener. This victory came on the 30th birthday of the Lions Stadium.
“We wanted to come out very strong and win as a team, and that is exactly what we did,” sophomore defender Mikayla Cimilluca said. “I think that we worked really hard to get the ball up the field and all the goals were well earned because we played well as a team.”
The first three goals came from junior forward Erin Healy, who now has four total goals this season. Healy also assisted sophomore forward Jordan Calderone on the final score of the game.
“I think that everyone was just on the same wavelength the whole game and we all just wanted it and had our eyes set on winning the whole time,” Healy said. “Now that we have had our first two games under our belt, I think we are really starting to click now together on the field.”
One area of significant improvement has come from the freshmen, who are becoming more comfortable at the collegiate level.
“When you step out on the field, it doesn’t matter what year you are because we are the (College) field hockey team so we all just play together,” Cimilluca said. “We just need to continue to play as a team and if we do that then we should win our games with no problem.”
Healy has also seen progress from the 10 freshmen and knows that they will continue to improve.
“They have all stepped up big time because every single one has contributed to the team,” she said. “We always try to improve on everything we do in all aspects of the game because we expect nothing less but perfection.”
The game against Cabrini College at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11 will be an important one for the Lions. Not only will it give the College a winning record, but it would help 29-year veteran Head Coach Sharon Pfluger achieve her 500th career victory. This win would make Pfluger the second coach in Division III history to reach the milestone.
“I am feeling good about (the game),” Healy said. “If we go in the same way as we went (against FDU-Florham) then I expect us to come out happy at the end of the game.”
Later this week, the Lions will travel to Juniata College and play the Eagles.
