It would seem as though the women’s soccer team could not possibly get any better. Yet, they are relentless and improve on their remarkable season in ways you could not imagine. How can you perfect perfection? These Lions seem to know how.
The team plays with a kind of confidence that was not there last year — a new kind of spark that propels them each week to better themelves and bring home victories for the College.
This past week, the Lions triumphed in both of their games, scoring the most goals they have had thus far in the season.
The Lions took on FDU-Florham earlier in the week and outscored the Devils 4-1. The game began with both teams exhibiting great defense, holding off any goals until junior forward Leigh Applestein scored late in the first half, giving the Lions their first goal.
The Lions scored again in the second half when junior defense Jordan Downs scored on a penalty kick, boosting the Lions’ lead to 2-0. Only seven minutes later, senior midfield Sloan DePiero contributed a goal, assisted by freshman defense Brianna Petro, and upped the score to 3-0. The Lions’ defense was putting up a fantastic fight, holding off the Devils’ offense perfectly.
With 9:58 left in the game, the Lions scored once more. This time, it was freshman forward Chalen Noble, assisted by freshman midfield Lauren Malajian. This was Noble’s first collegiate goal for the team.
It was not until the last few minutes of the game when the Devils scored and took the shutout away from the Lions, but there was not enough time on the clock for any more damage to be done. The Lions pulled out the 4-1 victory easily.
It is not hard to see the motivation these players have on and off of the field.
“This season is going really well so far,” junior forward Korrie Harkins said. “The team has become very close over the past month together, and we are all extremely focused on succeeding during the season.”
This team is continually positive and continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Lions took on Ramapo College and completely ousted the Roadrunners 5-0. Downs led the team with incredible offense. Five different players scored the five goals — a season high.
The first came from Applestein, her fourth goal of the season. Soon after, DePiero, senior forward Katie Lindacher, freshman forward Christine Levering and junior forward Gina Caprara all scored as well, giving the Lions their highest win of the season.
Their defense was truly the best it has been all season. The shutout was the combined effort of goalkeepers Kendra Griffith, Cristina Gacos and Jessica Weeder.
However, the team knows there is still a lot more work to come in their hunt for the NJAC title.
“We cannot get comfortable,” Lindacher said. “Especially with the NJAC games coming up. We just have to keep working and keep fighting for a win every game.”
This week, the Lions take on Stockton College at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
