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(10/05/11 4:45am)
There isn’t too much a team can do to transcend defeating the No. 7-ranked team in the country, but the College’s field hockey team found a way as they upset No. 5-ranked Messiah College at Lions Stadium on Oct. 1.
Four days after the team was led by junior forward Caitlyn Jenkins in a 2-1 victory over Ursinus College, the Lions (8-1) took down Messiah (5-3) by the same score.
“We’ve beaten some good teams,” senior goalkeeper Shannon Syciarz said. “It means a lot because it puts us in great shape for our regional ranking, which will help us in the postseason.”
The Lions wasted little time getting on the board, with senior defender Alex Okuniewicz taking advantage of a pass from junior defender Christy Wham 1:18 into the match.
“We had good solid touches, (the penalty corner) was well played,” Okuniewicz said. “And we just were able to capitalize on it.”
The rest of the half was marked by an inability to create scoring opportunities, which put a lot of pressure on the Lions defense. Smelling blood in the water, the Falcons brought on an able-bodied attack, but the Lions had an answer for everything that was thrown at them.
“I just think that we all just took a lot of trust in each other at that point.” Okuniewicz said. “We weren’t crazy in the backfield. When a team goes up like that it’s easy to be crazy and psychotic, but on defense we didn’t lose our formation, we just held and kept our calm. That’s what pushed us forward.”
The Lions were also pushed forward by a terrific performance from Syciarz, who made several acrobatic saves.
Head coach Sharon Pfluger praised her goalkeeper and defense, but admitted that some of that offensive pressure was self-inflicted.
“I thought we held up really strong and we had some great plays during (the end of the first half), but I think perhaps we created playing that deep defense more than we really should have,” Pfluger said. “But, when push came to shove, we came up with the ball, but I just think we probably needed to play better prior to that.”
The Lions delivered some offensive relief early in the second half as freshman forward Erin Healy tipped in a shot from Wham.
“Wham had a beautiful shot from the top of the circle on a corner and I knew I just had to focus on my stick on the ground and making sure I got that ball,” Healy said.
Wham has been an asset to the Lions in the passing game so far this season, leading the team with six assists.
“Wham’s really tough and she never gives up.” Pfluger said. “She does as much as she can out there and she has great stick work.”
Messiah came on with another onslaught after Healy’s goal, which led to the Falcons knocking the lead down to one with nearly 12 minutes left. The Lions’ defense stepped up yet again, however, and held off Messiah down the stretch to secure a 2-1 victory.
“We definitely stayed steady in the backfield, which is huge,” Syciarz said. “They got a couple of shots off, they were putting a lot of pressure on us, but we stayed strong. We had a lot of talk and a lot of communication in the backfield, and when there was a loose ball, we made sure it was getting out.”
The Lions accomplished the upset, despite losing freshman midfielder/forward Victoria Martin to injury early in the first half.
“We had to make the adjustment and I think we were OK for awhile, but they were really coming down and slipping through the midfield too quickly, so I definitely think it affected us,” Pfluger said.
Another highlight in the Lions’ victory came late in the second half when junior midfielder/forward Kathleen Notos — last year’s leading scorer who was been sidelined by an injury — made her season debut.
The Lions face another hefty challenge this week as they host No. 1-ranked Salisbury University on Sunday, Oct. 9, after traveling to Neumann University on Oct. 6.
(10/05/11 4:14am)
Flashes of last season popped into the mind of senior goalkeeper Shannon Syciarz when senior midfielder/forward Leigh Mitchell and junior midfielder/forward Kathleen Notos took the field together for the first time this season toward the end of the College’s 2-1 victory over No. 5-ranked Messiah College.
“It brought back some memories from last season,” Syciarz said. “They have such a thrust forward on the field and bring a lot of momentum to our attack because they’re both such explosive players, so it was nice to see them out there.”
The pair did not make a statistical imprint on the contest, but their presence mattered — something that has been apparent all season long.
“They’re basically on the field with us,” said senior defender Alex Okuniewicz. “It’s been a little different, but they’re psychologically there with us, pumping us up.”
Entering this season, the No. 15-ranked Lions thought they were going to be featuring one of the country’s most dynamic offensive duos in Mitchell and Notos, who combined for 74 points last season. Injuries have forced both players to sit on the sidelines and watch for the majority of this season’s games.
“They’re at every practice,” Head Coach Sharon Pfluger said. “Sometimes they’re walking around to the groups, talking to the kids about what they should do, and I want them to know that they can do that.”
Pfluger noticed that at first, it seemed like both players were leery to put in their two cents, but that initial nervousness quickly went away.
“The kids respect them so much,” Pfluger said. “(Mitchell and Notos) are strong players and I want them to share their knowledge. I want it to be like we have a few extra coaches out there on the field.”
The Lions needed that extra help in the beginning of the year as the team prepared to replace six starters from the 2010 team and found a way to cope with Mitchell and Notos’ absence.
Acording to Pfluger, Mitchell and Notos became imperative in the process of preparing some of the talented youth that was waiting in the wings.
“What a great position to be in and what a great asset to have,” Pfluger said, “to have somebody who is right there in the prime of her athletic career to share the knowledge because she can’t be out there on the field. You take something that’s not so great and you turn it into something productive and positive because the other girls could use that.”
Production from several players has increased while Mitchell and Notos continue to fight their way back. One of those players is freshman forward Erin Healy, who has credited Mitchell and Notos with speeding up her development on offense.
“As an attacker, they’ve been teaching me a lot of stuff,” Healy, tied with a team-leading six goals, said. “It’s kind of like having another coach.”
As much as she values their coaching skills, Pfluger expects to see both Mitchell and Notos on the field more often in the coming weeks.
“I’m really happy that they had a chance to get in (against Messiah), and as the season progresses, they will get more and more playing time,” Pfluger said. “It’s good for them, little bits and pieces.”
Although she said looking at the game from a different angle has been nice, Mitchell admitted she cannot wait to be back out on the field in full force.
“Sitting out gives you a different perspective on the game and allows you to learn more to benefit your play when you return to the field,” Mitchell said. “I’m looking forward to be able to get back out on the field with no restrictions.”
(09/27/11 6:43am)
Although the College’s field hockey team was riding high after a 10-0 defeat of Richard Stockton College last week, head coach Sharon Pfluger was still looking to see her young squad show a distinct sign of maturation.
The desired feature was a sense of patience and, according to Pfluger, it came to light as the Lions took down Farleigh Dickenson University-Florham 4-0 on Sept. 25, making them 6-1.
“The possession and the patience in the scoring were key,” Pfluger said. “We had a lot of opportunities, especially in the second half, but we weren’t cashing in on them. I feel like we were persistent, though. We didn’t lose our cool, we were steady, we kept trying, and every time a ball slipped through, it was definitely threatening.”
The numbers back up Pfluger’s assessment that the Lions had a fair share of chances to get the ball in the back of the cage. The final stat line showed that the Lions were able to get off 22 shots during the course of the game, while the Devils only managed one.
It took a few games for Pfluger’s squad to hit their offensive stride, but now that the girls are unifying to form one cohesive flow, the Lions are getting hot.
“They are always working hard, always working together, which has been something we have been working on all season with a young team,” Pfluger said. “I think a lot of things are clicking for them right now.”
Many of the Lions’ key offensive players this season have been freshmen who are still adjusting to the college game.
“College field hockey is a lot different and a much faster pace than high school, but the upperclassmen are really nice and have been very helpful on and off the field,” freshman forward Erin Healy said. “All of (the freshmen) also worked really hard in preseason to adjust to the higher level of play.”
The pair of goals that the Lions tallied in the first half were a fitting symbol of how the first-year players and the upperclassmen are starting to mesh.
The first goal was scored by Healy, who received a pass from junior forward Caitlyn Jenkins. The following goal, which came less than four minutes later, saw a change in scenery as it was Jenkins doing the scoring and Healy kicking out the assist.
“I think it’s really coming along,” Pfluger said. “We felt that we had a very good group of young, talented kids that came into the mix, but they really had to learn so much, and in the fall season, you don’t have so much time to get ready, so I think the mesh between the veterans and the young kids is starting to show now and they’re starting to get it.”
The second-half offensive production continued to show the signs of patience and maturation as senior defender Alex Okuniewicz took a pass from freshman midfielder Erin Waller, positioned herself and then got solid connection to send the ball past the goalkeeper, making it 3-0.
Junior defender Christy Wham then added her second goal of the year as she scored with little over a minute left in the contest.
The balanced attack on offense in this contest is a sign that has especially encouraged the injured Leigh Mitchell.
“I think we have had a lot of people stepping up and playing consistently for the team,” the senior forward/midfielder said. “We needed people to fill some shoes from last year and from injuries, and it’s great to see younger girls stepping up to the plate and giving great performances.”
The No. 10-ranked Lions will return to play at home this Saturday, Oct. 1, for a tough test against No. 3-ranked Messiah College.
(09/22/11 2:04am)
With the scored tied 0-0 in the second half of the College’s New Jersey Athletic Conference opener against William Paterson University, freshman midfielder/defender Victoria Martin took it upon herself to motivate one of her teammates.
Looking to classmate Erin Healy, Martin said, “We need to score. We can’t keep playing a 0-0 game. We are keeping them in the game way too long.”
On the ensuing penalty corner, the ball took a Lions’ bounce off the goalkeeper’s pads and found its way to Healy’s stick. Healy then dished the ball off to Martin, who took the pass and sent it into the back of the cage.
Martin’s goal would end up making the difference in the Sept. 16 contest that finished with a final score of 1-0.
“While the ball was traveling towards the cage, I felt like it was going in slow motion,” Martin said. “The second it went in, I could not believe it. It felt great to score and put us ahead in the game.”
The win over the Pioneers kicked off a solid weekend for the Lions, who also took down Alvernia University on Sept. 18.
Both wins were crucial after the Lions dropped their first game of the season last Tuesday, Sept. 13, against Eastern University.
“It’s always important to bounce right back after a loss with a key victory in order to get back in groove and build back the confidence,” said senior midfielder/forward Leigh Mitchell, who continues to rest due to injury.
The importance for the Lions to stop any sense of a losing streak and to start off on the right foot in conference play could be felt as they squared up against the Pioneers.
“(The loss) opened our eyes and we realized that we don’t work hard for nothing, and we had to show it out on the field,” Martin said. “We knew we had to go against William Paterson fired up and get the win.”
Though the Lions struggled to get on the board against the Pioneers, they did quite the job of rebounding against Alvernia by jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first half.
It took the Lions a mere 1:50 to get on the board against the Crusaders as junior defender Camille Passucci started and ended a penalty corner that put the Lions up 1-0. Passucci guided the ball into play and shortly afterward capitalized on a return pass from freshman midfielder Erin Waller.
Senior midfielder/defender Alex Okuniewicz then got into the mix by scoring a goal and getting the assist on a goal scored by Healy.
The Lions suffered a scare as the Crusaders closed the lead down to 3-2, but the defense was able to clamp down and hold onto the lead.
“We spent a lot of time on defense at practice the past week,” senior goalkeeper Shannon Syciarz said. “We really worked on being disciplined in our defensive circle and keeping the communication up, and it really showed.”
Another thing showing has been the Lions’ freshmen class, who had a large impact on offense — combining for two goals and two assists — as well as on defense in the Lions’ last two contests.
“The freshmen have been making really big contributions on both attack and defense,” Syciarz said. “It’s easy to forget that this is their first year playing at the collegiate level since they have been pulling through big for us. They’re a very hard working class that is eager to learn and improve, so I expect to see them continuing their success throughout the season.”
(09/13/11 11:42pm)
With her team’s only game of the week against FDU-Florham postponed due to inclement weather, head coach Sharon Pfluger used last week to prepare for the upcoming start of New Jersey Athletic Conference play.
“I think we’ve been productive this week even though we haven’t played, so I think it’ll be alright,” Pfluger said.
The Lions will open their NJAC schedule this Friday, Sept. 16, against William Paterson University — a game that Pfluger has deemed crucial for her team’s chances of making the postseason.
“Ever since we’ve had enough teams in our conference to be an automatic qualifier, the weight of (NJAC) games has been pretty heavy,” Pfluger said. “So we don’t look past anybody.”
The Lions, who went 6-0 in conference play last year on their way to winning the NJAC, were voted to finish second this year in the conference behind Rowan University in the NJAC preseason coaches’ poll. Some teams might have taken that piece of news as a sign of disrespect, but Pfluger says her team’s attention is on the task ahead and not a preseason ranking.
“I don’t really care what the preseason poll says,” Pfluger said. “I never vote us No. 1 and the other coaches will vote as they like, it doesn’t matter to me. We’re just so into the moment that we have to prove ourselves every day, that’s just the way I think and how the girls think as well.”
The time off due to rainouts has allowed Pfluger to further prepare for the continued absence of senior midfielder/forward Leigh Mitchell and junior midfielder/forward Kathleen Notos.
“I think that we’re getting better,” Pfluger said. “I think that the little extra time has been beneficial. We’re just kind of waiting it out for some other kids to get back, but still the season goes on and there are other kids who are ready and they are doing well.”
A couple of the highlights from the Lions’ first few games without their two top scorers from a year ago have been junior defender Camille Passucci, who leads the team with 8 points, and freshman midfielder Erin Waller, who was named the NJAC Freshman of the Week last week.
“Nothing is going to stop us from getting kids in who are working hard and performing to the best of their ability,” Pfluger said. “There is always that silver lining and it just gives an opportunity for some other kids to get better, and they are, and they’re showing that in the games.”
(09/08/11 1:39am)
Head coach Sharon Pfluger had plenty of reason to be concerned when she learned that she would have to find replacements for arguably her two best players, senior forward/midfielder Leigh Mitchell and forward/midfielder junior Kathleen Notos, when the 2011 season began Thursday, Sept. 1, against Stevens Institute of Technology.
She had even more reason to agonize as senior midfielder/defender Alex Okuniewicz joined Mitchell and Notos, who are out with lingering injuries, on the sidelines in the home opener against Gwynedd-Mercy College on Saturday, Sept. 3.
Yet instead of viewing the setbacks as a hindrance, Pfluger looked at the situation and saw a rare opportunity.
The absence of so many players from the 2010 squad allowed Pfluger to rotate in almost her entire roster during the victories over the Ducks and Griffins.
“Every healthy player was in the game (against Gwynedd-Mercy) and it was nice to see those kids come from the sideline and have a clutch deflection to stop an offensive transition for the other team or have a nice pass,” Pfluger said. “We have to do it because we have a lot of veterans out right now and for the time being we have to give those kids a chance.”
Pfluger will do what she must to put a formidable squad on the field until her more experienced players return, and that includes throwing her freshmen into the mix.
Four first-year players — forward Erin Healy, midfielders Lauren Pigott and Erin Waller and defender Marissa Pennypacker — got the nod to start in the Lions’ first two contests of the 2011.
“We started four freshman the other day (against Stevens) and in addition to those four, Victoria Martin, another freshman, also got a lot of playing time,” Pfluger said. “They are skilled and they have a lot of potential, so we want to get them in.”
Healy and Waller become offensive factors right off the bat as they each provided a goal in the Lions’ 3-1 defeat of the Ducks, and that production didn’t slow down against the Griffins as Healy picked up an assist and Waller added another goal and an assist to her tallies. Also inking their names on the stat sheet in the 5-2 win over the Griffins were Pigott, who scored a goal, and Martin, who recorded an assist.
Such performances have impressed Pfluger along with at least one of the Lions’ upperclassmen.
“I think they have been doing really well,” junior defender Camille Passucci said. “Being a freshman and playing in college is really difficult because you’re away from your home and you’re in the college environment. So, I think they’ve had a lot to deal with and they’ve responded really well. They are trying really hard and they’re coming up with a lot of big moves on the field.”
Passucci has been full of big moves herself so far in 2011 as she collected two goals and four assists through two games, and her overall presence has been a key to keeping the Lions on track, according to Pfluger.
After jumping out to a 2-0 lead early on against Gwynedd-Mercy, the Lions allowed the Griffins to climb back into the game as they tied the score midway through the first half. The score at halftime read 3-2, leaving the Lions with a mere one-goal lead.
Passucci responded by carrying the Lions’ offense in the second half, taking passes from Healy and Waller and turning them into goals, but it was her demeanor and leadership when the Lions lost two players to yellow cards that impressed her coach the most.
“Camille is so valuable to us,” Pfluger said. “She is involved in every aspect of the game and I think today, when we were down two players, that she was the glue. She works so hard, her head is in the right spot and she’s really just a clutch player.”
Passucci admitted that there has been some pressure to replace Mitchell and Notos as well as last year’s seniors, but at the same time she says that the team cannot afford to let adversity stop the Lions from being a successful team in 2011.
“We knew that (Mitchell and Notos) weren’t going to be here, at least early on” Passucci said, “so we really tried to prepare the best we can every day and we don’t focus on replacing people, we focus on getting better.”
(08/30/11 10:57pm)
At first glance the College’s field hockey team would seem to be on an uphill climb heading into the 2011 season after losing five of its 11 starters between last year’s New Jersey Athletic Conference championship team and graduation.
But Sharon Pfluger’s cupboard is hardly bare as the Lions look ahead to tomorrow’s season opener against Stevens Institute of Technology.
The Lions were the highest-ranked NJAC team in the Kookaburra/National Field Hockey Coaches Association preseason poll, taking the eight slot, even though they ranked second in their own conference’s preseason poll behind Rowan University.
Replacing some graduated players won’t be easy: Jessica Falcone, the Lions’ third leading scorer in 2010 on the offensive end of the field; Kristen O’Neil, third on the team in saves on the defensive side of things; and the all-around play by Mary Waller, a Third-Team All-American who finished first on the team in defensive saves (4) and second in assists (8). However, senior midfielder/forward Leigh Mitchell is confident that with the right mixture of players this year’s team can be just as effective.
“We lost quite a few key players that will be difficult to replace in the mid- and backfield,” said senior midfielder/forward Leigh Mitchell. “However, I think with the practice and improvement everyday, we should be able to find the right combination for our success this year.”
Back for the Lions are one of the most dangerous offensive duos in Division III field hockey in Mitchell and junior midfielder/forward Kathleen Notos. Mitchell is coming off a First Team All-American campaign that included 11 goals and 12 assists, while Notos hit the ground running in her first year on the Lions’ field hockey team with a team leading 17 goals and 40 points.
The defense is jam-packed with competitors as well, starting with last year’s NJAC Goaltender of the Year, Shannon Syciarz.
In front of Syciarz will be senior midfielder/defender Alex Okuniewicz, who has been named First Team All-NJAC the past two seasons, and junior defender Camille Passucci, who has received honorable mention her first two years with the Lions and plenty of praise from her teammates.
“I think Camille Passucci will be key this year in stabilizing our midfield,” Mitchell said. “She is an extremely smart and consistent player that will help fill the gaps we have from graduation.”
Junior forward Jillian Nealon is another firm believer that Passucci, along with Okuniewicz, will have a strong impact in 2011, but Nealon also throws out another name that might be a wild card for the Lions in 2011.
“So far the whole team has been stepping up, but you definitely feel like Camille Passucci and Alex Okunewicz have been playing really well in the midfield along with Lauren Pigott,” Nealon said. “The three of them make a very strong core for us.”
Pigott, a freshman midfielder who made a name herself at the College last year as a lacrosse player, did not get to compete in field hockey last year due to injury, but this season she will be one of the Lions’ key components in compensating for what was lost from 2010.
“I think we have a few big shoes to fill, but we definitely could have another successful season and hopefully advance even further in postseason,“ Mitchell said. “The core of returning players we have combined with the added promise of some newcomers should lead to an exciting season.”
But, Sharon Pfluger’s cupboard is hardly bare as the Lions look ahead to tomorrow’s season opener against Stevens Institute of Technology.
The Lions were the highest ranked NJAC team in the Kookaburra/National Field Hockey Coaches Association preseason poll, taking the eight slot, even though they ranked second in their own conference’s preseason poll behind Rowan University.
Replacing Jessica Falcone -- the Lions’ third leading scorer in 2010 -- on the offensive end of the field, Kristen O’Neil -- third on the team in defensive saves -- on the defensive side of things and the all-around play by Mary Waller -- a Third Team All-American who finished first on the team in defensive saves (4) and second in assists (8) -- won’t be easy. However, senior midfielder/forward Leigh Mitchell is confident that with the right mixture of players this year‘s team can be just as effective.
“We lost quite a few key players that will be difficult to replace in the mid and backfield,” said senior midfielder/forward Leigh Mitchell. “However I think with the practice and improvement everyday we should be able to find the right combination for our success this year.”
Back for the Lions are one of the most dangerous offensive duos in Division III field hockey in Mitchell and junior midfielder/forward Kathleen Notos. Mitchell is coming off an First Team All-American campaign that included 11 goals and 12 assists, while Notos hit the ground running in her first year on the Lions’ field hockey team with a team leading 17 goals and 40 points.
The defense is jam packed with competitors as well, starting with last year’s NJAC Goaltender of the Year, Shannon Syciarz
In front of Syciarz will be senior midfielder/defender Alex Okuniewicz, who has been named First Team All-NJAC the past two seasons, and junior defender Camille Passucci, who has received honorable mention her first two years with the Lions and plenty of praise from her teammates.
“I think Camille Passucci will be key this year in stabilizing our midfield,” Mitchell said. “She is an extremely smart and consistent player that will help fill the gaps we have from graduation.”
Junior forward Jillian Nealon is another firm believer that Passucci, along with Okuniewicz, will have a strong impact in 2011, but Nealon also throws out another name that might be a wild card for the Lions in 2011.
“So far the whole team has been stepping up, but you definitely feel like Camille Passucci ad Alex Okunewicz have been playing really well in the midfield along with Lauren Pigott,” Nealon said. “The three of them make a very strong core for us.”
Pigott, a freshman midfielder who made a name herself at The College last year as a lacrosse player, did not get to compete in field hockey last year due to injury, but this season she will be one of the Lions’ key components in compensating for what was lost from 2010.
“I think we have a few big shoes to fill, but we definitely could have another successful season and hopefully advance even further in postseason,“ Mitchell said. “The core of returning players we have combined with the added promise of some newcomers should lead to an exciting season.”
(04/29/11 3:01am)
After collecting some of its biggest wins of the season during a six-game road trip, the College’s lacrosse team was finally able to give the home crowd something to cheer for, defeating Montclair State University 18-5 to win the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship.
The win gave the Lions their second NJAC title in three years and was certainly a moment of redemption: the team lost out on the title last year at home when Rowan University downed the Lions 12-11.
“It feels really good, especially after losing to Rowan last year. That (game) was such a heartbreaker to lose by one goal,” senior midfielder Ali Jaeger said. “This year we just wanted to come out and prove that we were the more dominant team (on the field) and the most dominant team in the NJAC.”
The Lions have certainly proven their dominance time after time this season, as they’ve propelled themselves to a 16-0 record and the top spot in Division III.
It’s easy to point out Jaeger and junior midfielder Leigh Mitchell — who were both honored before the game alongside alumnae Lauren Dougher and Liz O’Connor for their record-breaking seasons — as the artists behind this masterpiece. However, according to Jaeger, for most of the season, the Lions have relied on a balanced attack.
“(Balance) has pretty much been what this whole season has been about,” Jaeger said. “We’ve really tried to focus on having everyone contribute, whether you’re a veteran or a freshman. Everyone has stepped up, and that’s what makes us such a powerful team. Everyone is a threat.”
That parity showcased itself in the College’s victory over the Red Hawks, as six Lions scored at least one goal, and five of those six scored three or more.
As expected, the experienced upperclassmen — Jaeger, Mitchell and junior midfielder Kathleen Notos — combined for 11 goals, but it was the underclassmen that really put an exclamation point on the win.
Sophomore attacker Jillian Nealon chipped in three goals, while freshman midfielder Lauren Pigott collected a goal and an assist.
But it was freshman attacker Jen Garavente who led the underclassmen in this one.
Garavente didn’t take long to get herself a point, as she assisted Mitchell’s first goal 28 seconds into the contest. She then followed that assist with three goals and one more assist over the remainder of the game.
“I think with the hours that we’ve practiced that we’ve all just connected really well,” Garavente said. “We really hit it off in the beginning of the season and we’ve been able to keep that up.”
The freshman class has been crucial to the Lions’ success and has performed without fail since the first win of the season over Frostburg State University on March 5.
Garavente, Pigott and first-year attacker Alex Spark have built on that initial game in a Lion uniform by stepping up when called upon during the Lions undefeated streak, while being able to shake the nerves that most new players might encounter.
“As soon as we gain momentum, the nerves go away and you just get excited and want to continue to play well,” Garavente said. “I think leading up to (big games) there are some nerves, but as soon as we start playing our game, it goes away.”
The Lions will need that kind of attitude from all their players, with No. 9 Stevens Institute of Technology waiting in the wings and the national playoffs slowly approaching. Even with the NJAC title in hand, the season will be a disappointment — for at least one Lion — unless the College finishes its playoff run unscathed.
“I’m not graduating without a national championship. That’s what I’ve decided,” Jaeger said. “It really doesn’t matter what kind of records you break — it’s really about the team accomplishment. I just want to celebrate with my team at the end of the season with a national title in our hands.”
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu.
(04/29/11 2:27am)
The NFL draft kicks off tomorrow at 8 p.m. and the Carolina Panthers will be the first team on the board.
There are plenty of possibilities out there, but only one will be the No. 1 selection of the 2011 NFL draft. Here is a look at some of the Panthers’ options.
Quarterback Cam Newton
Newton erupted onto the scene this year, leading Auburn University to a national championship. He has a strong arm that is complimented by great size and an uncanny ability to break free.
The downside to Newton is that he only produced for one season and hasn’t run a pro-style offense.
Wide Receiver A.J. Green
Green is as close to a sure thing that there is in this draft. He has the height (6 feet 4 inches), speed (4.48 40-yard dash time) and production (848 yards and nine touchdowns in only nine games in 2010) that teams love to see out of a wide receiver prospect.
One thing about the former University of Georgia star that worries some evaluators is his weight. Green is a lanky 211 pounds, which is cause for concern of potential injury on passes over the middle.
Defensive Tackle Marcel Dareus
The University of Alabama product went into the off season as the No. 2 defensive tackle behind Auburn’s Nick Fairley. However, after performing well in all his workouts, Dareus has shot up draft boards. When he’s on, Dareus is almost unblockable.
Similar to Green, Dareus has some injury concerns hanging over his head. He was limited last year at Alabama due to a lingering ankle injury and a few other ailments.
Final say
Carolina could try and swing for the fences with Newton, but I think they’ll give Jimmy Clausen one more year to prove he can play. Dareus is good, but picking a defensive tackle at No. 1 with the potential for injury is too risky. So, when the clock stops, I think Carolina will welcome in wide receiver A.J. Green.
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu.
(04/20/11 10:12pm)
Fanhood is one of the most delicate aspects in the sporting world. Fans will go to extreme lengths to prove that they stick with their team through thick and thin and the most “diehard” would do anything to show how loyal they are to their team.
There was plenty of fanhood going around at Dodger Stadium when Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants kicked off their 2011 seasons on March 31. The local teams put on a show for their fans as Clayton Kershaw got the best of Tim Lincecum in a 2-1 pitcher’s duel.
Bryan Stow was sitting in the stands that day, proving his fanhood by wearing foreign orange and black garments in a blue and white country. A couple of Dodger fans decided to respond to Stow’s fanhood by performing an act of their own “fanhood.” They beat Stow so badly in the parking lot that he suffered brain damage and fell into a coma — he still remains unconscious.
Those men may have thought they were standing up for their team that day, but if they believe it, they are sorely mistaken. Fanhood isn’t proven through animosity and violent acts like the attack made on Stow; it’s proven through commodore.
There’s been too many times when I’ve seen people who believed their actions were that of a fan when they actually were that of an imbecile. I don’t know when fanhood became predominantly based on how much “trash” you can talk about another team or how much you can degrade them, but that needs to change.
I have no problem with someone going out, watching a game in his/her teams’ colors and being as loud as they want. However, their words should be positive statements because support is what the true merit of someone’s fanhood should be based on.
I have the most fun watching sports when I sit around with other people who share an interest in my team. Once I start to encounter people who get in other people’s faces, saying how much the other team sucks is when I start losing interest.
So, next time you go out and watch a game, try to focus on the positive things, please. Do it for me, do it for yourself, do it for people like Bryan Stow.
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu.
(04/20/11 8:48pm)
The College was put in an unfamiliar position against Franklin and Marshall College with its top two goal scorers — senior Ali Jaeger and junior Kathleen Notos — unable to find the net. For the Lions to leave Lancaster, Pa. with a victory, they needed someone else to step up to fill the void.
Although the team struggled to find one early, the Lions got its supplement about midway through the first half in the form of first-year midfielder Alex Spark. Spark stepped up to compliment junior midfielder Leigh Mitchell — who had a game-high five points — by scoring three goals in the Lion’s 9-5 victory over the No.7-ranked Diplomats.
“They put a lot of pressure on both Ali and (Kathleen) and doubled them when they had the ball, but the double teams just allowed us to get the ball to other players,” sophomore attacker Jillian Nealon said.
After falling behind 4-1 to the Diplomats, the Lions’ run to perfection looked to be in serious jeopardy. But, that was before Spark and Mitchell got hot.
Mitchell scored the Lions’ second goal of the game with almost 15 minutes left in the half only to come back down the field 67 seconds later, dishing the ball to Spark, who scored to bring the Lions within one.
Each midfielder added another goal to their collection before halftime, and with the addition of freshman midfielder Lauren Pigott’s last second goal, the Lions went into the locker room supporting a 6-4 lead.
The Diplomats struck first in the second half, but the Lions defense shut them out the rest of the way, while Spark added another goal, and Mitchell chipped in two more.
Her presence against the Diplomats was a much needed boost for the Lions
who have been led by the scoring prowess of Jaeger, Notos and Mitchell for most of the season, but Spark would only endorse the attack as a whole.
“Of course I wanted to score and win the game, but I didn’t feel too much extra pressure because, aside from Ali and Kathleen, there are five other attackers on the field with me,” Spark said. “All of which have had awesome goals throughout the season.”
Despite Spark’s humble outlook, her efforts — along with those of Pigott and freshman midfielder Jen Garavente — have been vital to the Lions’ success this season.
“I think one of the reasons we fit in so well is that when we’re on the field, we aren’t considered freshman or transfers,” Spark said. “We are simply considered part of the (College’s) lacrosse team.”
Spark’s contributions may be the most impressive of the trio, though, especially considering she was out of lacrosse and on Loyola University’s crew team just a year ago.
Spark, who picked Loyola for the school’s atmosphere, elected to transfer because she missed lacrosse and Loyola didn’t offer the major she wanted to pursue — health and exercise science.
“Going into my freshman year I was undecided as far as major goes and throughout the year I decided to major in health and exercise science, a major that Loyola did not offer,” Spark said. “I was torn to try and make it work at Loyola or find a school that offered my major. While considering transfer options, I also considered schools that I could play lacrosse at as well, and (the College) ended up fitting all the components.”
Loyola’s loss was the College’s gain.
Spark has fit in nicely with the Lions’ offense, scoring 25 goals to this point in the season.
Some of those goals have come in the biggest contests of the Lions’ 14-0 run, including wins over Salisbury University, SUNY-Cortland, Gettysburg College and Franklin and Marshall College — all are currently ranked in the top 10 in Division III.
“She definitely adds depth to the attack, and her presence is so huge because she is always stepping it up in big games,” Nealon said. “Since she’s new, she is under the radar to a lot of teams, which makes her so dangerous.”
Jaeger — who knows a thing or two about scoring goals — raved not only about Spark’s physical attributes, but her mental ones as well.
“She’s an awesome shooter,” Jaeger said. “She throws in a fake and places the ball in the open space. Many young players don’t think before they shoot, but Alex does, and that is what makes her such a threat on the field.”
The Lions will look for Spark to remain a threat as they host Montclair State University on Friday.
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu.
(04/14/11 3:03am)
Three years ago senior midfielder Ali Jaeger began her career at the College with two goals and two assists against Farleigh Dickinson University-Florham. Those four points would be the initial steps in a walk that has led Jaeger to the top of the College’s all-time points list.
Entering the Lions’ match against No. 2 Salisbury University on Sunday, Jaeger needed one point to separate herself from alumna Lauren Dougher for first all-time. Four and a half minutes into the Lions 11-6 victory over the Sea Gulls — who fell to 13-2 — Jaeger made her mark in Lions’ history.
After a yellow card was called on Sea Gulls defender Kristen Chandler, Jaeger slipped past Salisbury’s defense and threw a shot past goalkeeper Julie Ann Caulfield.
The goal put Jaeger’s name ahead of all others in yet another all-time category in the College’s record books. Jaeger, who had two goals against the Sea Gulls, also became the Lions’ all-time leading goal scorer against Rutgers University-Camden on April 5. She also set the record for most goals in a season last year with 86.
“Ali is an amazing player, easily one of the top in the nation, which is evident in the various awards and honors she has received,” sophomore attacker Jillian Nealon said. “But more importantly, she is an unbelievable teammate and leader.”
Jaeger, who is second on the team in goals, assists, points, ground balls and draw controls, not only leads the Lions, who are now 12-0, on the field but also in practice.
“Ali dedicates her life to lacrosse and to the team,” Nealon said. “Whenever she has free time she is usually practicing or watching games to keep learning. She is one of the hardest working players I know.”
Junior midfielder Leigh Mitchell, who came in as a freshman with Jaeger in 2008, sang similar praises.
“Ali is an intense and fierce competitor,” Mitchell said. “She sets the intensity level at practice and is always pushing every one of her teammates to get better. Despite all of her accomplishments and stats, Ali is an extremely humble player who leads by example.”
Mitchell, who became the all-time assists leader earlier this year, insisted that although it was she and Jaeger who set records this season, it speaks more about their team’s abilities then their abilities as individuals.
“The breaking of these records definitely speaks about our team as a whole,” Mitchell said. “Everyone contributes to the statistics of the team, whether it be the person who scores or assists or the person who sets a really good pick to get a cutter open. Everyone on the field plays a crucial role to all of the successes that comes to the team and each individual player.”
Sunday’s win was the epitome of team success as the Lions had six different players contribute at least one goal.
Mitchell mentioned earlier in the week that the Lions would need to come out “confident and strong and take control.”
That philosophy became reality as the Lions shot out to a 6-0 lead a little over 11 minutes into the matchup — the College had five Lions score in that span.
Mitchell was a major factor in the contest, collecting two goals and four assists for the Lions, while classmate Kathleen Notos and Nealon sent in one goal each.
A pair of first-year players chipped in as well as Jen Garavente tallied three goals, and Alex Spark added two.
The Lions defense was solid again, holding the Sea Gulls, who average 16 goals per game, to only six scores on the day as senior goalkeeper Mary Waller made a career-high 16 saves.
The Lions won’t have much time to celebrate with a trip to No. 7 Franklin and Marshall College coming up on April 15.
“Being No. 1 means that more teams are gunning for us, but we are pretty used to it because when most teams play us it is one of the biggest games for them so teams usually play us tough,” Nealon said. “We don’t focus on the ranking because the only one that matters is at the end of the season so for now we just focus on winning each game one at a time.”
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu.
(04/07/11 1:03am)
Every time a half starts or after a goal is scored in lacrosse, players head to the middle of the field and prepare for one of the most important aspects of the game, according to the College’s head coach Sharon Pfluger — the draw control.
“If you can control the ball like that then you’re automatically going down on attack,” Pfluger said. “It allows you the opportunity to have a chance to score, and it’s a big controlling factor. In the tightest games of the season, many times it comes down to who won more of the draws.”
Senior midfielder Kelsey O’Gorman didn’t score the game winning goal, and she didn’t record an assist that altered the fate of the game, but in a tight game, she came up with one of the teams’ biggest plays as the College capped an 8-7 victory over Gettysburg College.
After the Bullets, who are now 7-2, scored with 3:26 left in the contest, O’Gorman came off the restraining line, fought her way to a bobbling ball and won the draw control for the Lions, who are now a perfect 10-0 and ranked the No. 1 team in Division III by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association.
O’Gorman’s draw control was the 17th of the game and tipped the ratio, 9-to-8 in favor of the Lions.
“That draw control was so essential because we needed possession of the ball,” sophomore attacker Jillian Nealon said. “In lacrosse, momentum can change at any second, and Kelsey’s draw control definitely kept the momentum going our way (against Gettysbrug).”
Junior midfielder Kathleen Notos, who handles most of the draw controls for the Lions, lead the way for the College, recording four in the game. Notos has been an important piece to the Lions, who have a 154-to-54 draw control ratio this season, by either grabbing draw controls or directing them to her teammates.
“I’m trying to place it to my teammates outside their girl, so that’s really key,” Notos said. “If I can place it to them, I can trust them to get it.”
“It’s one of the key factors in lacrosse to get the draw control because if not, then you have to regain possession right away to get the ball on offense. If you get possession, though, you can start your offense right away.”
The Lions offense did enough to get the victory, but they did stray from their season averages against the No. 7-ranked Bullets as they were only able to score eight goals. It was the first game this season where the Lions did not pile up double-digit goals, and they only recorded one assist.
“Their defense began to pressure us out which gave us the opportunity to take our defenders one on one,” Nealon said. “A lot of our goals came when their defenders pressured us behind the crease, and we used that to beat the defense.”
The matchup of top-10 teams started out favorably for the College as the Lions jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. The score would grow to 4-1 as the first half of the contest drew to an end.
After allowing an early goal by the Lions in the second half, the Bullets began to surge back, scoring three straight goals to make the score 5-4.
The Lions responded to that stretch by scoring three of their own. Notos scored the first and was then followed by senior midfielder Ali Jaeger, who scored two of her game-high four goals, increasing the Lions’ lead back to three.
“I live for these competitive games, so I just went out there with the mindset that I will do whatever it takes to win,” Jaeger said. “Our team is so powerful because we all share the same philosophy that losing is not an option.”
The Lions’ lead seemed safe, but after losing three draw controls and surrendering three goals, it was a one-point game again.
However, after Notos was able to direct the draw control to O’Gorman, the Lions did not allow another shot, causing two turnovers and grabbing two ground balls on their way to victory.
The Lions have another tough test this weekend as they take on No.2-ranked Salisbury University, but Jaeger believes the Lions can be successful if they can create more action and capitalize in the passing game.
“Gettysburg is a very physical team,” Jaeger said. “They were all over us when we cut inside the eight meter. We will have to make sharper and more deceptive cuts in order to utilize our passing game against Salisbury.”
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu
(03/30/11 7:44pm)
Kelly Brennan realizes that her name isn’t going to be announced much throughout the season, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
The senior defender doesn’t score goals or hand out assists, but she has been a stalwart on the College’s defense, which is currently the top unit in Division III and was assertive in the Lions 19-1 victory over Ramapo College and an 11-2 victory versus Drew University.
“I think we (defenders) just feed off our attacks,” Brennan said. “If we lose the ball on attack we want to make sure, on defense, that we recover and we get the ball turned over so we can get it right back down to our offense. So, that’s really what we worry about. We don’t really focus on getting statistics.”
A defender in lacrosse is like an offensive lineman, according to head coach Sharon Pfluger — their names usually don’t come up in a conversation unless it’s in a negative light.
“You have to be tenacious,” Pfluger said. “You have to understand that you’re not going to get a lot of notoriety in the paper and all that. It’s all about pride and that’s what it’s really all about — the way you feel about yourself and your teammates inside.”
Brennan, who was All-NJAC in 2010, may not have the flashy statistics that her teammates can boast about, but that’s OK because her voice is better served on the field anyway, she said.
“I’m the last one before the goalie,” Brennan said. “So, I think I just need to focus on communication and just make sure we’re all on the same page. I also have to make sure I’m loud enough, so everyone knows what is going on.”
Pfluger has praised Brennan and the rest of the Lion’s defense for its ability to communicate and cites the lessons of 2010 as the reason why the 2011 defense is so compact.
“It’s definitely more experience,” Plfuger said. “It was a very young defense last year. We graduated a lot of defenders (in 2009) and we were going to make those young mistakes, but we’re more experienced this year. Be it win or lose, all that game experience has created a lot of knowledge for the girls and sort of a game sense, know-how.”
That youthful defense has now transformed into a nation-leading unit that surrenders a scant 2.12 goals per game.
“They can read it better now and team defense is tough in lacrosse because you have to see the slides, you have to see your girl, you have to read each other,” Plufger said. “There’s a lot going on and you definitely have to be multi-tasking down there. I think they think this year and they’re feet are quicker this year, so it’s nice to see.”
Standing behind the rest of the defense and in front of the net is another crucial piece of the Lions’ 2011 defensive puzzle, senior goaltender Mary Waller. Waller was named NJAC Player of the Week and ECAC Metro/South Defensive Player of the Week the past two weeks.
“We’ve been really organized and coming down from the midfield, we all know what is going on,” Waller said. “We’re on the same page as each other, which is really important because it keeps everyone steady, and no one is freaking out.”
Leading the way for the Lions on offense was junior midfielder Kathleen Notos, who scored 10 goals over the two victories. Notos has raised her game to another level this season as she leads the Lions in goals.
“I think it’s just my teammates seeing me when I’m open,” Notos said. “We are all just reading each other very well, and I’ve just been taking initiative.”
Senior midfielder Ali Jaeger and junior midfielder Leigh Mitchell also put in strong outings, combining for seven goals and 12 assists.
Junior Sara Keating capitalized on the field by scoring three goals and an assist off the bench for the Lions against the Roadrunners.
Freshman Jen Garavente was strong off the bench as well. She continued to find the net for the Lions as she scored two goals against the Rangers after scoring three goals earlier in the week versus the Roadrunners.
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu.
(03/30/11 7:37pm)
It’s always the times when you think that you have things all figured out when you’re hit with the biggest surprises.
When March Madness began, analysts seemed to form an endless line to complain to the selection committee about the fact that Virginia Commonwealth University made it into the tournament. ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas went so far as to say that VCU “fails the laugh test.” Dick Vitale, maybe the most notable of the ESPN college basketball contest, said that even his wife, who knows “diddly” about basketball, would have known that VCU didn’t deserve a bid. He also compared picking VCU over the University of Colorado to picking Roseanne Barr over Scarlett Johansson in a beauty contest — “no shot.”
Now, after a monumental upset over Kansas University, VCU is headed to the Final Four to face off with the other Cinderella of the NCAA tournament, Butler University.
It’s been a remarkable run that not even the craziest of brackets could have foreseen, but the fact is that it has happened. Even more bonkers is the fact that VCU might not even have gotten in had this all happened a year ago.
VCU, a No. 11 seed, had to play the University of Southern California in what is now called the first round, essentially a glorified play-in game. The Rams made the best of what they got though and took down the Trojans.
Once they earned their way into the 64-team bracket, it was time to put all the naysayers, all the doubters and all the nonbelievers behind them and take off on the path to the Final Four.
After defeating the Trojans, the next test was Georgetown University, one of the many teams to come out of the Big East Conference. The result was an eight-point victory and another step toward proving their legitimacy. Then it was on to a 94-76 route over Purdue University.
For an encore, the Rams battled for the entirety of the regulation clock against Florida State University. The result? A 65-65 tie. Overtime should have been the time where the Rams showed their “true colors” and crumbled under pressure, but that just wasn’t in the cards.
Down 71-70 with six seconds left, senior guard Joey Rodriguez got the ball into the hands of junior guard Bradford Burgess, who took it to the hole and put the Rams ahead for good when his layup cut through the net. The Seminoles attempted a last second heave, but it fell with no success.
This was the team that should have been passed up for the likes of Colorado, Virginia Tech University or the University of Alabama? Really?
Kansas was waiting in the wings after mowing through its first three tournament opponents after going 32-2 in the regular season. Call it David versus Goliath; call it Alex Rodriguez versus Dallas Braden. Call it whatever you want. The fact is this game, on paper, was a mismatch.
Luckily for everyone, this wasn’t a written test.
The Rams took a 41-27 lead going into halftime and even after the Jayhawks made a second-half run, the Rams dealt with adversity by making a run of their own. The final score read VCU 71, Kansas 61.
Now that the Rams are one game away from reaching the championship round, should we still doubt them?
Analysts will give their take and supply reasons for and against VCU’s chances of winning, but the Rams shouldn’t listen. They have proven that no matter how much we think we know, we know nothing.
This is a team that would have been a “never was” if it was up to the analysts and this has certainly been a run to remember.
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu.
(03/23/11 11:09pm)
All it took was a flick of the wrist and a little help from a teammate for junior midfielder Leigh Mitchell to cement herself in the College’s record books.
When first-year midfielder Alex Spark scored to put the Lions ahead 14-1 — in what would eventually end as a 17-1 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham — it just seemed like another goal. But, that score came after a pass from Mitchell, giving her the 86th assist of her career.
“Every game when she has the ball I can see the look in her eyes, and I know that she’s looking to feed,” Spark said. “She wants to get everyone involved, which is a really good quality to have.”
The feed to Spark launched Mitchell past alumna Liz O’Conner, who held the old record of 85, for first on the College’s all-time career assists list.
“(Leigh) is a great athlete, she’s always had a wonderful game sense, and she can read the game,” head coach Sharon Pfluger said. “It’s like she can scan the area so fast and know what to do. I’ve seen that just get quicker and quicker and quicker as the years have gone on. And now, for her to get an honor like that and have a record, it’s more to me a credit to the type of player she is and the hard work she puts in.”
Mitchell accepted the praise but was quick to give the credit to her teammates.
“I think it more speaks for our attack as a unit,” Mitchell said. “I mean with everyone contributing it is easy to get assists in there because everyone is putting points on the board.”
Mitchell’s feat landed at the end of the week that included back to back seven-point performances. Mitchell tallied two goals and five assists against the Devils on Saturday, March 19, after scoring five goals and dishing out two assists earlier in the week in a 16-0 victory over Cabrini College.
Mitchell was also a factor on the other end of the field as the Lions moved their way to 5-0 by continuing to do what they’ve done all season long — play air-tight defense.
The Lions shutout of the Cavaliers was the first time the College blanked a team since April 23, 2009, when they handed Mount Saint Vincent College an identical 16-0 defeat.
“(The defense) has just been playing well together,” Pfluger said. “They have been sliding when they need to slide and reading each other and reading our opponent. It’s nice that they’ve been in a groove with each other and really are in tune with each other because you have to be as a defensive unit. The defense has to be like that; you can’t have it any other way.”
Senior goalie Mary Waller made seven saves over the course of the Lions’ two wins and, before Devils senior midfielder Erika Depelteau squeezed one past Waller, the Lions held their opponents goalless for nearly 91 minutes, spanning over three games.
“I think defense has really been stepping up this year,” Waller, last week’s NJAC Defender of the Week, said. “We have been setting goals for ourselves for each game, and we’ve really been sticking to those goals.”
On offense, senior midfielder Ali Jaeger had a strong performance during the week as she posted nine points against the Devils and seven points against the Cavaliers.
Jaeger pushed her way even further up the all-time points list by putting seven balls into the back of the net, while also putting a dent in the assist column with nine helpers. Jaeger is now second all-time in the College’s history in career points and career goals.
“I think that she is capable of both (scoring goals or assisting goals), so she’ll do whatever she needs to do,” Pfluger said. “They all have different roles, but it’s not always a set role. Somebody different might be the high scorer and (Ali) might be the one creating. It doesn’t matter to her what she does on the field as long as it is to the best of her ability and it helps her team exceed.”
Junior midfielder Kathleen Notos was a factor for the Lions as well as she posted four goals in each of the team’s wins — she now leads the team with 18 goals this season.
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu.
(03/16/11 9:55pm)
While the sports world continued to go back and forth about whether or not the Miami Heat’s “Big Three” can win a championship, the fans of the College’s lacrosse team watched their own “Big Three” — junior midfielders Kathleen Notos and Leigh Mitchell and senior midfielder Ali Jaeger — led the Lions in their first step toward a title in 2011.
Notos, Mitchell and Jaeger combined for nine goals and five assists in a 12-5 victory over No. 7-ranked SUNY Cortland on Sunday, March 13.
“These girls are extremely unselfish and really, really humble,” head coach Sharon Pfluger said. “It’s perfect for us.”
The Red Dragons were able to stay even with the Lions for the first 10 minutes of the game, but they could only contain the Lions’ Big Three for so long.
Notos helped pave the way for the Lions, scoring all four of her goals in the first half of the contest.
Mitchell was able to add two goals herself, while also dishing out four assists. Those four assists were enough to push Mitchell past alumna Lee Moreau to third all-time in career assists.
“Leigh is a tremendous athlete,” Pfluger said. “She’s that quiet kid that sort of sneaks in there, and all of a sudden we say, ‘wow, look what Leigh did.’ We knew that from the beginning though. Leigh’s been a clutch player for us since the start.”
Jaeger, the Lions’ leading scorer last year, collected three goals and an assist, moving her to fourth all-time in career goals and career points.
Although she recognizes how prestigious her accomplishments are, Jaeger has bigger things than records on her mind for the 2011 season.
“(The statistics) really don’t matter at (the College) because it is really all about making it to the national championship,” Jaeger said. “So, all that individual effort does add up, but the stats really don’t matter so much.”
Pfluger shares a similar perspective on her 2011 squad.
“They all work well together, and those stats are nice, but they just want to win,” Pfluger said. The Lions also saw significant contributions from first-year players in their first three games of the year.
“They’re an awesome addition,” Jaeger said. “They come out there, and they’re not afraid to play at the college level.”
Freshman midfielder Lauren Pigott showed little fear on the field as she broke onto the scene in a 21-4 victory over Frostburg State University with three goals and two assists, but she admitted there were some nerves before the game.
“Coming out in your first game, you really don’t know what to expect,” Pigott said, “But once you get in the game and get in the groove of things, you feel more comfortable knowing that the other girls are out there helping you.”
The Lions 20-1 victory over Kean University saw another freshman, Jen Garavente, prove that she can play with the big girls.
Garavente built on the two goals she scored in the season opener by collecting three goals against the Cougars.
“The first-year players are meshing in with some experienced players,” Pfluger said. “They are stepping up. Some of them you wouldn’t even know were first-year players, which is exactly what we want. They are working hard, and they believe in the program, so I’m really proud of them so far.”
Sophomore attacker Jillian Nealon also put in a good performance in the Lions first two games with six goals scored, while Notos, Mitchell and Jaeger combined for 19 goals and 11 assists.
“I think that we’ve played with each other so long that we are able to read each other well,” Jaeger said. “We also have the freshmen class, who have really contributed a lot so far on offense and defense, so putting it all together is a nice combination.”
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu.
(03/02/11 11:25pm)
Officials from the College and the Trenton Thunder gathered last Thursday, Feb. 24, in Paul Loser Hall to announce a partnership making WTSR 91.3 FM the new flagship station of the Trenton Thunder Radio Network.
Residents of the College will now be able to listen to all 142 games, along with playoff games, for the New York Yankees’ Double A affiliate through the airwaves of WTSR over the next three years.
“This is a partnership that they tried to kick off a couple years ago and nothing seemed to come to fruition,” Jay Burnham, director of broadcasting for the Trenton Thunder, said. “We knew (the College) had a great signal, and it was a signal we wanted to be on. A couple of different pieces and things happened, but it just made sense overall. It was something that was bound to happen. We’re pretty excited about it, and I think they are too.”
The Thunder broadcast team for 2011 will consist of Burnham, in his ninth season as a minor league broadcaster, and Hank Fuerst, who is in his second year as a minor league broadcaster.
Although students at the College will not be announcing games, they will have access to a few of the opportunities through the new partnership, including a chance to get paid through educationally based employment.
“What comes for the students are a couple of things,” Burnham said. “There are paid positions to be the board operators and engineers for all 142 games, starting in April and going through September. For the paid positions, we’re looking at students who will write, edit and produce content that will be on the radio broadcast.”
Students will also be able to get involved by promoting WTSR, the College and the Thunder as well as creating production spots.
“There are a few different ways that students can get involved,” junior communication studies major and WTSR station manager Melissa Virzi said. “They can be involved with promotion on either the Thunder end or on (the College’s) end or they can also work on production spots, which will air before and during the games.”
According to Virzi, another benefit for WTSR will be an increase in listeners with fans, who previously tuned into Rider University’s radio station, the Bronc, now turning to WTSR to hear Thunder games.
“This is incredible for (WTSR),” Virzi said. “It’s going to help us because everyone listening to Thunder games is going to know WTSR and it will get us more listeners.”
The Thunder will play their first game on April 7 at the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and will hold their home opener on April 14 versus the Harrisburg Senators.
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu.
(02/17/11 12:43am)
He situated himself on the sidelines and listened intently as scouts examined players when it hit him harder than a blitzing linebacker.
The scouts at the East-West Shrine Game might have found the players they were looking for that day, but Andrew Bondarowicz found something even better — an idea.
“We were at the East-West Shrine Game in San Antonio in 2006 when all the scouts that were assembled were all swooning about this one quarterback from a school in Alabama that I never heard of,” said Bondarowicz, president of Aregatta Group Inc., a multidisciplinary consulting firm. “He was big, he was mobile, he had a rocket arm, but I’m watching him out on the field, and he can’t hit the broad side of a barn and I’m thinking, ‘Are we looking at the same guy here?’”
Bondarowicz realized that even though these scouts were qualified, they were not always right. His idea was cemented even further when he heard about an ESPN study.
“A couple years later, ESPN came out with a study that said even the best general managers in the business only get it right about 55 to 60 percent of the time when it comes to first round draft picks,” Bondarowicz said. “Well, hell my wife could do that.”
These moments set in motion the idea that would eventually materialize as Fanteractive.
Fanteractive is a website that gives players, coaches and fans a rare chance to interact with each other during the Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) season.
“The draft is the second biggest event on the NFL calendar other than the Super Bowl itself, not regular season, not the post season, and it’s just a bunch of guys sitting around in a room saying, ‘Hey, I want this guy,” Bondarowicz, the founder of Fanteractive, said. “So, how can we take this to the next level and give fans an opportunity to experience that in some unique way?”
The idea was to allow fans to get involved in areas of the football operations that professional teams would have to deal with on a day-to-day basis.
“Fanteractive is basically a way for fans to get involved in the action,” Bondarowicz said. “Some of us are armchair quarterbacks and say, ‘Well, you should have done it this way.’ Well, here is a chance for fans to be front and center and be more involved than just buying a ticket and coming to cheer at the games.”
The website allows fans to transform what was a fantasy into reality.
For a small fee of $50 dollars, fans can become “Fanagers” who can watch film of prospective athletes, write scouting reports, vote on league rules, post blogs, stream live video of SIFL games and even add friends.
“When we were developing Fanteractive, we wanted to take everything that people love, everything that is trending right now, and envelope it in one product,” said Filip Prus, Fanteractive’s director of social media. “As a result, we have combined professional football, fantasy football, Facebook, Twitter, UStream, Bleacher Report, Rivals.com scouting, the NFL Draft and the Madden video game and created a sports social media supernova.”
Fans not only have a chance to be interactive, they also have an opportunity to mold their favorite SIFL team.
“You can have input in establishing the depth chart with your team’s coach,” Prus said. “The team is truly in your hands, the fan.”
The Fanagers’ scouting reports are combined with additional factors to grade and rank all the prospective athletes. Once the rankings are completed, fans will be able to vote, and help decide who gets invited to training camp.
Fanagers will also help select cheer and dance teams.
“Here is a way where you not only get to do it for fun, but you actually get to see it play out on the field,” Bondarowicz said. “It takes what was a fantasy world and turns it into a reality. It’s a unique opportunity. It’s the first time it’s ever been done, especially on a league-wide level. We’re excited to see where it can go.”
Subscriptions can be purchased on fanteractive.com with the referral code 1489484.
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu.
(02/10/11 12:32am)
Three years as the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers was all it took for Aaron Rodgers to win his first Super Bowl.
Rodgers made things look easy as he threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns on his way to becoming the MVP of Super Bowl XLV.
As easy as Rodgers made the situation seem, the journey there was anything but for the 27-year-old signal caller.
All the adversity that Rodgers had to deal with this season with the Packers was nothing compared to the challenges he had to face on his journey to the National Football League.
The story is a good read with chapters filled with so many twists and turns that it’s hard to believe.
Rodgers was undersized coming out of high school and received one offer from a Division-1 program, a chance to walk-on at the University of Illinois. He chose to attend Butte Community College in northern California instead.
Rodgers performed well during his time at Butte, but still had trouble attracting the eyes of Division-1 coaches.
That was until Jeff Tedford, the head coach at the University of California, Berkley, came to Butte College to look at tight end Garrett Cross and saw Rodgers play — end chapter one.
Tedford and the Golden Bears offered Rodgers a scholarship, and five games into his first season as a Golden Bear, Rodgers got the opportunity to start.
Rodgers would excel over the next two seasons, which then led him to forgo his senior season and enter the 2005 NFL draft. That’s when the real fun began.
Rodgers and University of Utah quarterback Alex Smith were among a small group of players, who were believed to go in the first couple of picks and were invited to attend the draft ceremony.
In the end, the San Francisco 49ers ultimately were won over by Smith’s tools and the numbers he put up in Urban Meyer’s system at Utah. He was selected with the No. 1 overall pick.
Rodgers was left sitting and waiting at Radio City Music Hall as names such as Cedric Benson, Adam “Pac-Man” Jones, David Pollack and Fabian Washington were called.
That was until the Packers were on the clock with the 24th overall pick.
The Packers had no dire need at quarterback with Brett Favre cemented at the position, but first-year general manager Ted Thompson decided to draft his quarterback of the future — end chapter two.
Rodgers spent most of his rookie season watching from the sidelines — he did see time in three games — while Smith was thrown into the fray, seeing extensive action in eight games.
In 2006, the Packers fired Mike Sherman and brought in Mike McCarthy, Smith’s offensive coordinator in 2005 — can you say ironic? — who went 21-11 in his first two seasons with Favre as his quarterback.
Coming off a loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game, Favre held a teary-eyed press conference after the 2007 season where he announced he would be retiring. That lasted a few months until Favre reconsidered and elected to come back for the 2008 season.
The Packers did not exactly accept him with open arms. Thompson and McCarthy went against popular opinion and stuck with Rodgers over Favre, who was later traded to the New York Jets — end chapter three.
The 2008 season ended with the Packers at 6-10, which added more fuel to the fire in the hearts of fans doubting Rodgers. Rodgers responded by carrying the Packers to an 11-5 record and a trip to the wild card round of the playoffs in 2009 but was still overshadowed by his predecessor who took the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game.
The Packers entered the 2010 season with high hopes until things started to spiral out of control as player after player was put on injured reserved.
Rodgers himself also missed time dealing with concussions.
None of that was able to stop the Packers though as they rallied in the last two games of the regular season and clinched the NFC’s No. 6 seed.
From there the Packers became road warriors who went into Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicago and came out with victories before heading to Dallas to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As Rodgers walked off the field Sunday night all the doubts seemed to evaporate and that imaginary championship belt Rodgers seems to love became a reality — end chapter four.
Chapter Five will start when the 2011 season kicks off. No one will know what it will bring, but I’m sure Rodgers will be able to handle it, and I’m sure it’ll be a good read.
All information for this article was obtained from ESPN.com.
Brandon Gould can be reached at gould9@tcnj.edu.