As players on the women’s lacrosse team come and go, there is one constant that has remained seemingly unchanged: Throughout the 27 years as being head coach, Sharon Pfluger has earned herself a reputation for winning, and she expects this new 2014 season to be no different.
After a dominant 19-3 victory over FDU-Florham last Saturday, March 1, the No. 7 Lions could not have asked for a better way to start their season.
“I thought the girls played really well together and communicated well,” Pfluger said. “I also thought the defense was nice and steady, and I thought the attack was creative, yet organized.”
Leading the charge was junior attacker Ava Fitzgerald, who scored six goals. Also finishing with six points — four goals and two assists — was senior and 2012 NJAC Defensive Player of the Year Lauren Pigott.
With only four seniors returning from last season, Pfluger believes the freshmen are ready for the big moments to come.
“They have to step up like anyone else — if they are given an opportunity on the field, then they are expected to play as well as anybody else so I think with confidence, they will do well,” Pfluger said. “They just have to really take what they are learning at practice and execute it in a game situation.”
While the 16-point victory was convincing, Pfluger wants the women to continue to progress and improve upon the minor issues.
“I just think we need to tweak a few things, like finishing the play or concentrating on shots or shot selections,” Pfluger said. “As the season develops, you learn more and more strategy and how to handle those situations.”
On Saturday, March 8, the lacrosse team will have their home opener at Lions Stadium against No. 18 Messiah College at 1 p.m.
“We want to focus on getting better every day and then we will be closer to (reaching our) goals,” Pfluger said. “The girls want to play as well as they can to get into the postseason and reward themselves with the opportunity to play for a national championship.”
