165 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(10/26/16 4:34pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Sports Editor
The College’s football team dropped a 21-7 loss against Montclair State University despite holding the Red Hawks scoreless for three quarters.
Traveling north to Montclair, N.J., the Lions fought the Red Hawks in front of an excited crowd during their Homecoming match. The Lions defense met the challenge of limiting Red Hawks senior running back John DiStefano, who currently leads the New Jersey Athletic Conference with 891 yards and averages 127.3 yards per game.
The Red Hawks offense blew off the Lions in the first quarter as DiStefano ran 26 yards to secure a first down. Afterward, sophomore quarterback John Apicella threw a 47-yard pass to junior wide receiver Julanee Prince for a touchdown.
The College’s attempt to counter fell short in the fourth minute when junior quarterback Trevor Osler let a fumble loose. Red Hawks junior defensive lineman Nick Volpe quickly recovered the fumble and ran 22 yards for Montclair State’s second touchdown.
With a 14-0 deficit in hand, the Lions second attempt to catch up to the Red Hawks failed. Junior running back Khani Glover gained five yards, but his effort was consumed when the Lions received a false start penalty in the next down. After Osler endured another sack, the Lions settled for a punt.
DiStefano then rushed for 32 yards. Meanwhile, Apicella blazed through the Lions defense by competing two passes to freshman wide receiver Jaedon Stephens and Prince. With one minute remaining in the first quarter, DiStefano broke through the Lions defensive end and scored to give the Red Hawks a 21-0 lead.
Despite the Red Hawks strong start, the Lions held them scoreless for the rest of the match. At the 19th minute, the Lions regelated DiStefano to only one yard. Once the Lions regained possession, the offense marked the scoreboard.
“Montclair’s offense overwhelmed our team at first,” interim head coach Rocky Hager said. “Then the defense stepped up and clamped down their best players.”
The Lions advanced toward the Red Hawks endline with the duo of Osler and junior wide receiver Thomas Koeing. Osler ultimately rushed in to score the Lions first touchdown in the 28th minute.
Similar to previous Red Hawks possessions, the Lions limited DiStefano to 29 rushing yards. The end result was the Red Hawks missing a field goal at the 45-yard line.
In the second half, the Lions and Red Hawks began a back-and-forth affair in the third quarter.
Junior running back Chad Scott blitzed across the field with 44 yards. The offensive momentum slowed down after Osler threw three incomplete passes.
The Lions quickly regained possession after forcing junior kicker Curtis Pendleton to punt at the 50-yard line. At the 36th minute, Scott rushed for 15 yards to secure the Lions first down. Osler followed up with two incomplete passes. The Lions used their fourth down to punt. The punt was suddenly blocked by Red Hawks sophomore defensive back Je’Von Mason.
In the Red Hawks next possession, Apicella’s passes to Prince were thwarted by the Lions defense and the Red Hawks settled for a punt.
The Lions later struggled to take advantage of their possessions. In the 41st minute, Red Hawks sophomore linebacker Mauro Altamura caught an interception from Osler and ran 20 yards.
The Lions closest opportunity to scoring came in the beginning of the fourth quarter. Glover helped the Lions march down the field as he rushed for 42 yards. The offensive attack was halted when Osler endured two consecutive sacks.
With the loss, the Lions fall to a 0-7 record. The team will look to uplift their season as they head back to Lions Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m. The Lions are looking to win their first game of the season on Homecoming day against the William Paterson University Pioneers.
(10/26/16 1:47pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Sports Editor
The College’s men’s soccer team remains in contention for a postseason berth after defeating conference foe Kean University, 3-2, on Saturday, Oct. 22. Three days earlier, the Gettysburg College Bullets punctured the Lions, 2-1, in double overtime.
After a four-game home stretch, the Lions voyaged west to Gettysburg, Pa., to battle the Bullets for more than 100 minutes into double overtime.
The Gettysburg offense applied pressure to the Lions in the first half. In the 23rd minute, Bullets freshman midfielder Precious Ozoh knocked a shot off the crossbar. Seven minutes later, Bullets junior forward Patrick Santini sent a pass toward the penalty box and senior forward Henry Smith tapped in the pass for the first Bullets goal.
In the 51st minute, junior midfielder Peter Dresch launched a corner kick. In the midst, Freshman midfielder Sam Monaco ran to the left post and scored the equalizer. The Lions spent the rest of the second half pressuring the Bullets with 12 shots. Dresch nearly scored in the 77th minute when his shot landed on the crossbar.
Meanwhile, Lions freshman goalkeeper Alan Miller kept the net bulletproof with two saves. With both teams tied with one goal apiece, the Lions fought to the very end.
Bullets junior forward Michael Farese and Ozoh threatened the Lions defense with four shots in the first overtime period. Miller kept the score tied at 1 with another save. However, the Bullets overcame the Lions in the second overtime period and defeated the Lions, 2-1. In the 101st minute, Smith used a free kick to score the game-winning goal toward the left corner.
“It was something that I have never experienced before,” Miller said. “The competition is high due to the fact that the first goal wins the match (in overtime).”
On Saturday, the Lions traveled to Union, N.J., and spoiled the Kean University Cougars senior day festivities with a 3-2 victory in a crucial conference matchup. The Lions struck first in the 14th minute when freshman midfielder Michael Maltese sent a pass to senior forward Thomas Hogue, who scored with no Cougar defenders nearby.
Ten minutes later, the Cougars countered as senior forward Kenny Rocha shot toward Lions sophomore goalkeeper Dan Walsh and scored off a rebound. The Lions attempted to gain the lead late in the first half with two header shots.
In the second half, the Lions offense kicked into high gear with two goals while holding off the Cougars. At the 56th minute, Hogue took advantage of a clearing and launched a long, 25-yard shot for the second Lions goal.
Hogue contributed to the Lions offense again when he tapped a pass to senior midfielder Nick Costelloe, who blasted a shot to the upper corner of the net to give the Lions a 3-1 lead.
Cougars senior midfielder Robert Barrera scored on a rebound and cut the College’s lead to 3-2, but the Lions then defended their lead until the final whistle blew.
As a result of the conference victory, the Lions are now in fourth place in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) standings with 13 points. Kean University and Montclair State University are behind at the fifth and sixth places, respectively. Only the top six of the conference qualify for the postseason tournament.
On Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m., the Lions return home for a divisive matchup against their conference rival, the No. 10 nationally ranked Rowan University Profs. Possessing a dominant 14-1-1 record, the Lions will attempt to snatch an upset victory in Lions Stadium.
“The team is extremely confident that we will get a result, and we are excited for the chance to secure a home game for the NJAC tournament,” Costelloe said. “To beat Rowan, we will need to defend well, but the key will be to finish our chances early and avoid chasing the game.”
(10/19/16 4:16am)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Assistant Sports Editor
The men’s soccer team has been pushing to qualify for a spot in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) tournament. Two weeks ago, the Lions seemed well on their way after two wins, but last week, a loss and a tie might have hampered their chances.
On Monday, Oct. 3, the Lions defeated the College of Staten Island, 3-1, and overcame Ramapo College on Saturday, Oct. 8, in a gutsy 2-1 overtime victory.
The following week, on Wednesday, Oct. 12, the Lions suffered a 2-0 shutout loss against Stockton University. On Saturday, Oct. 15, the Lions closed out the week with a tie at 1 against Montclair State University.
After conceding back-to-back shutout losses on the last week of September, the Lions offense regained momentum by scoring three goals in their 3-1 victory against the College Of Staten Island Dolphins. In the 25th minute, senior forward Thomas Hogue broke through the penalty box and broke through the penalty box and scored the first goal.
The Dolphins countered in the 61st minute, when Dolphins forward Adrian Cosovic scored off a free kick. The Lions instantly responded when senior midfielder Nick Costelloe approached the penalty box and blasted in a shot for the second Lions goal.
Eleven minutes later, the Lions added a third goal to their lead. Sophomore midfielder/forward Nick Sample bolted across the Dolphins defense and shot the goal toward the right side to secure the College’s 3-1 victory.
While students and staff at the College were on fall break, the Lions surmounted past the Ramapo College Roadrunners in a 2-1 overtime victory. Freshman forward Mateo Panizza sparked the Lions offense early in the 13th minute. Hogue shot the ball from the left corner, and Panizza rebounded the shot for the Lions first goal.
The Roadrunners equalized the match in the 56th minute when forward Justin Olaya scored off a pass from forward Trevor Albrecht. The Lions spent the remainder of the half scrambling for a goal.
In overtime, the Lions halted the Roadrunners when Hogue received a through pass from sophomore defender Nick Provenzano and shot the game winning goal past the right corner.
By Wednesday, Oct. 12, the Lions, with a 3-2 conference record, were hopeful of competing in the NJAC tournament. Nonetheless, the 2-7-4 Stockton University Ospreys set the Lions back on a breezy night in Lions Stadium.
A tough Ospreys defense shunned the Lions offense and exploited turnovers.
“Stockton’s defense left no room behind for our forwards,” head coach George Nazario said. “Their goalie constantly blocked our shots. Even adjusting the formation and adding more offensive players out in front wasn’t enough to produce goals.”
The Osrpreys scored in the 22nd minute when junior forward Alex Kourahanis dribbled past the Lions defense and beat Walsh for the goal.
In the 60th minute, Ospreys forward Anthony Colofranson received a penalty kick. Despite Lions goalkeeper Walsh saving the shot, Colofranson rebounded it for a goal. The Lions settled for a 2-0 shutout. Walsh had a crucial performance of completing eight saves, including six in the second half.
“Walsh did more than he could,” Nazario said. “He had a great save on the penalty kick. If it wasn’t for him, we probably could have lost by 4 or 5.”
On the night of Saturday, Oct. 15, the Lions fought the Montclair State University Red Hawks and tied at 1 in two grueling overtime periods. The Lions struck first in the 43rd minute when Panizza took advantage of an errant pass from the Red Hawks defense and scored the goal off the right post.
With four minutes remaining, the Red Hawks tied the game when Red Hawks senior midfielder Damian Bziukiewicz crossed the ball and senior forward Mike Olla tapped it in for a goal. Both teams could not score in overtime.
With three games remaining, the Lions are on the road this week. On Wednesday, Oct. 16, the Lions will head to Gettysburg, Pa., for a match against the Gettysburg College Bullets. Then, the Lions will travel to Union, N.J., on Saturday, Oct. 22, for a crucial conference match against the Kean University Cougars.
(10/06/16 2:29am)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Assistant Sports Editor
Ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” As the men’s soccer team learned this weekend, sometimes you can miss 100 percent of the shots you do make, too. The Lions outshot both of their opponents this weekend, only to lose both contests, 1-0.
On Wednesday, Sept. 28, the Lions endured a 1-0 road loss against the Rutgers-Camden University Scarlet Raptors. The following Saturday, Oct. 1, the Lions suffered another 1-0 loss at the feet of the Rutgers-Newark University Scarlet Raiders.
Heading into Camden, N.J., the Lions were focused on winning more conference matches in order to stay on top of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) and qualify for the postseason tournament. Throughout the match, the Lions offense struggled to produce goals, despite their constant pressure on the Scarlet Raptors.
“Conference games are more competitive than non-conferences games,” head coach George Nazario said. “NJAC opponents are motivated and hustle to get the (conference) win. Otherwise, the season is cut short by end of October.”
On the goalkeeping front, Scarlet Raptor James Brett kept saving shots from senior forward Sean Etheridge and junior midfielder Peter Dresch. Meanwhile, sophomore goalkeeper Dan Walsh led the Lions defense with five saves.
Dresch was named the College’s Athlete of the Week for the week of Tuesday, Sept. 27 for scoring three goals during the Lions 7-0 victory against the New Jersey City University Gothic Knights.
In the second half, the Scarlet Raptors were able to tear through the Lions defense. At the 77th minute, Scarlet Raptor Dan Gilbert launched a shot and teammate Shane Guyer rebounded the ball for a goal. Afterwards, the Lions attempted to equalize the match, as freshman forward Matt Panizza shot twice. Nonetheless, the Lions ultimately conceded a 1-0 loss.
As the calendar shifted to October, the Lions returned to the Soccer Complex for a four-game homestand starting with another conference matchup against the Rutgers-Newark Scarlet Raiders.
In contrast to the Scarlet Raptors, the Scarlet Raiders played physically, as four yellow cards were issued, including three during the second half.
The Lions stayed in control during the first 30 minutes. Sophomore midfielder/ forward Nick Sample and Dresch provided two corner kicks. In the midst, sophomore defender Nick Zolofra and senior defender Clayton Flon fueled the Lions defense with continuous passes, repossessions and crosses. Yet, no shot reached the end of the net.
The Scarlet Raiders countered in the 31st minute when forward Alex Torres scored on a short diagonal shot through Walsh with an assist from Raiders midfielder Stefano Muniz.
During the second half, the Lions scrambled to score a goal in an effort to not repeat their previous shutout loss. In the 49th minute, senior forward Thomas Hogue headed in a lob pass that was immediately saved by Scarlet Raiders goalie Andres Medina.
Ten minutes later, the Lions were close to enduring another setback when freshman forward Fabio De Sousa ripped a fast shot toward the center post. Similar to the first half, Walsh and the Lions defense continued to block the Scarlet Raiders.
The Lions closest opportunity to score came in the 73rd minute. Senior forward Sean Etheridge knocked in a header shot and Scarlet Raiders goalie Medina miraculously dove in for a save. As regulation time dwindled, the Lions resorted to long distance shooting.
Overall, the Lions offense produced a combined whopping 49 shots against the Scarlet Raptors and Scarlet Raiders. At the same time, the Lions only allowed 14 shots and conceded only two goals.
“The defense performed well. Only allowing one to two goals per game provides a good safety net,” Nazario said. “However, no matter how many shots were on target, our offense wasn’t able to score. Our team can’t be shutout, especially against conference opponents.”
The Lions homestand resumes, as they compete against the College of Staten Island Dolphins on Monday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The Lions play another conference match against the Ramapo College Roadrunners on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m.
(09/29/16 4:17pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Assistant Sports Editor
The Soccer Complex’s stands were dotted with members of the College’s greatest soccer teams on Saturday, Sept. 24 — the 1991 NCAA Division III National finalists and the 1996 NCAA National champions. The alumni were not disappointed, as they witnessed the current men’s soccer team thrash the New Jersey City University Gothic Knights in a 7-0 shutout.
Despite accumulating an 8-1-1 record and leading the New Jersey Athletic Conference with 36 goals, the Gothic Knights were overwhelmed by the College’s aggressive offense until the final whistle blew.
The home crowd cheered for junior midfielder Peter Dresch’s hat trick performance. In the 13th minute, Dresch dribbled past two Gothic Knight defenders and tapped in a goal with an assist from senior midfielder Nick Costelloe.
Dresch followed with another goal in the 16th minute when he headed in a pass from sophomore midfielder/forward Nick Sample. The Gothic Knights immediately countered with three shots, including a close save by Lions goalkeeper Dan Walsh.
“It is very nice having someone as tall as (Walsh) in net. His wingspan allows him to control aerial balls in the box and enables him to save shots that would be much more difficult for smaller keepers to handle,” said Domenic Polidoro, senior midfielder/defender.
In the second half, the Lions mauled the Gothic Knights with five more goals on their way to a 7-0 victory. At the 53rd minute, Dresch dribbled across three defenders and hit a fast ground shot toward the right post for his third goal.
With a 3-0 lead, the Lions kept scoring as substitute changes were made. In the 61st minute, sophomore midfielder Joerg Jauk launched a free kick shot past the goalkeeper for the Lions fourth goal.
Twenty minutes later, sophomore midfielder Aaron Conyer blasted a shot from right field for his first collegiate goal. Senior forward Thomas Hogue padded the Lions lead with two more goals to complete the 7-0 shutout.
The crowd was not as uproarious in Madison, N.J., where the Lions fought the Drew University Rangers on Wednesday Sept. 21. It was a grueling night for the Lions as they fought the Rangers across two overtimes.
The Rangers scored first in the 10th minute when sophomore midfielder Anthony McMyne dribbled past the Lions defense and skipped through Walsh for the goal.
The Lions nearest scoring opportunity came at the 44th minute when sophomore defender Nick Provenzano leaped toward a corner kick pass. At the same time, Rangers goalkeeper Stephan Lukianov intercepted the pass for a save.
Down 1-0 at halftime, the Lions maintained their offensive momentum before equalizing the score. For 30 minutes, the Lions offense produced six corner kicks. The shots paid off when Polidoro received a free kick at the 80th minute. Polidoro lobbed the ball and freshman forward Mateo Panizza charged in with a header shot for the tying goal.
Afterwards, the Lions held off the Rangers until the end of regulation time. Walking into the pitch for overtime, both teams were in for another 20 minutes of close calls and narrow misses.
In the first overtime, Costelloe shot high off the top post while freshman midfielder Sam Monaco saw his chance of winning the game blocked by a Ranger.
Heading into their second overtime, the Lions continued their attack, but each effort was unsuccessful. A shot from junior midfielder Peter Dresch was blocked. Panizza and senior defender Clayton Flon shot high. Costelloe’s shot went wide right with two minutes remaining. Both teams settled for a 1-1 draw after 110 minutes of soccer.
In the upcoming week, the Lions will play a pair of conference games starting with an away match against the Rutgers-Camden University Raptors on Wednesday, Sept. 28. On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Lions return to the Soccer Complex to compete against the RutgersNewark’s Scarlet Raiders at 1 p.m.
(09/20/16 2:44am)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Sports Assistant
The men’s soccer team earned a winning record this week after they defeated the Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Devils, 4-1, and blanked the William Paterson University Pioneers, 2-0. For the week of Monday, Sept. 12, the College named sophomore midfielder Joerg Jauk Athlete of the Week for his penalty kick goal during the Lions 1-0 victory against the Keystone College Giants.
Competing at home, the Lions clobbered the Devils with four goals in the second half in their 4-1 victory. The Lions faced a familiar scenario to last week’s games against Keystone College and Whitworth University, in which the College also made many fruitless shots at the goal.
In the third minute, junior midfielder Peter Dresch launched a corner kick. Senior forward Thomas Hogue followed with a shot toward Devils junior goalkeeper JT Bretschneider — no goal.
Thirty minutes later, freshman forward Mateo Panizza dribbled toward the left corner and skedaddled through three Devils defenders before shooting wide off the post — no goal.
With three minutes remaining in the first half, senior midfielder Nick Costelloe blasted a hard shot toward the right corner. Bretschneider quickly dove in to block the shot — no goal.
“The challenge that we are facing this season is less about our opponent and more about playing as a unit,” Costelloe said. “When our offense heats up, we expect plenty of goals. We have struggled to keep the ball out of our net. Going down a goal or two early in a game is difficult to recover from.”
Meanwhile, Lions sophomore goalkeeper Dan Walsh kept the Devils off the scoreboard in his first career start. At the 37th minute, a Devil dribbled across the penalty box before Walsh slid into him for a save.
The Lions offense ignited in the second half with four goals on their way to a 4-1 victory. In the 56th minute, Hogue flickered the ball from the right side and senior forward Sean Etheridge headed in the team’s first goal.
Ten minutes later, the Devils countered when junior defender/midfielder Shawn Jennings tapped the ball toward the left post with an assist from senior midfielder Dylan Meyler.
The Lions responded with another goal when Panizza sent a pass through the middle of the penalty box. Costelloe secured the pass and scored on a short shot. The Lions never looked back and the offense scored two more goals on their way to a 4-1 victory over the Devils.
On Saturday, Sept. 17, the Lions traveled north to Wayne, N.J., for their first conference matchup against the William Paterson University Pioneers. Unlike the previous season, the Lions gained their first conference victory without conceding many losses. Five minutes into the match, sophomore midfielder Nick Sample crossed the ball from the left field while Etheridge headed the ball for a goal.
Two minutes later, Hogue had a chance to distance the Lions from the Pioneers, but Pioneers goalkeeper Kyle Quigley made the save. Both teams reached a stalemate until a Pioneers midfielder blasted a shot. Lions goalkeeper Walsh hastily saved the shot to maintain the Lions 1-0 lead.
The Lions offense started the second half with another goal when Hogue launched a shot into the upper left corner of the net with an assist from Dresch. Sample and Dresch followed the goal by hitting three shots at the Pioneers goalkeeper.
Toward the end of the match, Walsh and the defense endured a comeback from the Pioneers offense to secure the 2-0 shutout. During the 80th minute, Walsh was able to save two shots from a Pioneers defensive back and a midfielder. With two minutes remaining, Walsh recorded another save and intercepted a corner kick.
The Lions hit the road on Wednesday, Sept. 21, to compete against the Drew University Rangers. Afterwards, the Lions return home for another conference match against the New Jersey City University Gothic Knights on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 1 a.m.
(09/14/16 3:01pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Sports Assistant
The Lions endured tough matchups this week as they lost to Stevens Institute of Technology, 3-1, on Wednesday, Sept. 7, won against Keystone College, 1-0, on Saturday, Sept. 10, and lost to Whitworth University, 4-3, on Sunday, Sept. 11.
At Hoboken, N.J., the Lions were defeated by the Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks, 3-1. Both teams were scoreless at halftime as the Lions could not capitalize off corner kicks.
The Lions tallied the scoreboard in the beginning of the second half. Senior midfielder Domenic Polidoro hit a lob pass toward the goal while freshman midfielder Sam Monaco headed the ball for the Lions goal.
The Ducks equalized the score when a Duck midfielder sent a pass toward a fullback, who swiftly kicked the ball toward the top right corner of the goal.
The Ducks offensive never stopped — the team scored two more goals before the game’s end. Meanwhile, the Lions attempted to counter with a load of shots and penalty kicks. The Ducks goalkeeper meddled the Lions offense as he saved five shots, including a penalty kick by senior midfielder Nick Costelloe.
Saturday, Sept. 10, the Lions returned to the Science Complex to host the annual Adidas Classic tournament. The Lions bounced back against the Keystone Giants as they recorded 30 shots on their way to a 1-0 shutout victory.
Freshman forward Mateo Panizza started the match with a header towards the Giants goalkeeper. In the 19th minute, sophomore midfielder Nick Sample blasted two shots on target with no goal in the end.
The match remained scoreless after the first half. However, the Lions offense continued its slew of shots to the end. With one minute left in regulation time, sophomore midfielder Joerg Jauk scored on a penalty kick to seal the team’s victory.
The following day, the Lions faced an unfamiliar opponent from Spokane, Wash. — the Whitworth University Pirates. The Pirates, who compiled a 16-2-1 record and won their conference last season, initially overwhelmed the Lions with 3-0 deficit.
The Lions refused to bow down, though, and they battled for a 4-3 result.
In the first half, the Lions struggled to counter a dominant Pirates possession. In the 12th minute, a Pirate crossed the ball from left field toward the goalie’s box, where a midfielder was left unmarked and tapped in the ball for the Pirates first goal.
Two minutes later, the Pirates executed the same routine, catching the Lions off guard for another goal.
The Pirates goalkeeper shunned the Lions offense and recorded four saves.
After halftime, the Lions sieged through the Pirates defense and launched six shots by the 51st minute. However, the Pirates retaliated with another goal.
With 25 minutes remaining, the Lions resurged when Polidoro used a free kick to send a pass to senior defender Clayton Flon, who followed with a goal through the goalkeeper’s legs.
The crowd roared when Costelloe took advantage of a slow pass and flickered the ball above the Pirates goalkeeper.
Two minutes later, Panizza possessed a rebound and slid in a goal from the right side. Initially, the goal was not counted, but after review, the referees ruled that the ball crossed the goal line.
With the game tied, 3-3, the Lions fought until the last whistle. However, the Lions steep comeback fell short when Ducks junior midfielder Jonah Snyder scored the winning goal after bypassing the Lions defense.
“Making shots is one thing, scoring goals is a whole ’nother challenge,” said head coach George Nazario. “The team performed better in the second half by converting turnovers and opportunities.”
The Lions lace up for another home match against the Fairleigh Dickinson University- Florham Devils on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
(09/05/16 9:54pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Staff Writer
The Lions opened the season on the winning and losing end last weekend, as they soundly defeated the Dickinson College Red Devils in a 5-1 victory, but lost to the Elizabethtown Blue Jays, 4-1.
On the road in Carlisle, Pa., the Lions competed against Dickinson College on Friday, Sept. 2, in the Elizabethtown Blue Jay Classic tournament. The Red Devils offense pressured the team immediately with shots on the Lions goal. Senior goalkeeper Jake Nesteruk finished the first half with six saves.
Following a corner kick from junior midfielder Matthew Edmonds, senior midfielder Nick Costelloe scored off a pass from sophomore midfielder Nick Sample. At the 40th minute, sophomore midfielder Matt Skinner added another goal with an assist from freshman forward Mateo Panizza.
“Mateo has been a great offensive addition being that he has an assist and a goal within the first two games he’s played,” said Domenic Polidoro, a senior midfielder.
The Lions cruised to a 5-1 win. Senior forward Thomas Hogue scored the third Lions goal with an assist from Sample.
The Red Devils countered eight minutes later with a goal of their own, putting them on the scoreboard for the first time all game.
Toward the end of the match, the Lions increased their lead with a penalty kick goal by midfielder Joerg Jack and an own goal by the Red Devils.
The next day, the Lions struggled to carry momentum in a 4-1 loss to Elizabethtown College. During the first 20 minutes, the Lions offense shot to no avail. The Blue Jays reached to the back of the net first with a goal off a pass to the corner.
“Early in the game, it looked like we were going to be the team to break the 0-0 tie, but (Blue Jay) Gilbert Waso turned a half chance into a goal with his excessive agility and precision,” Polidoro said.
The Lions confidence further receded when the Blue Jays scored two more goals in two minutes.
“We had some defensive breakdowns that led to two easy goals for them and before we knew it, the score went from 1-0 to 3-0,” Polidoro said.
The Lions 3-0 deficit proved too hefty to surpass, as the Lions only scored one goal, despite five corner kick attempts and eight shots.
“We had a number of quality chances against Elizabethtown, but we were unable to convert. In order to win games, we have to figure out how to defend as a team,” Costelloe said. “We will have time to find a rhythm in our non-conference schedule before we open up with conference play. This is a great group of guys with some real talent, and I fully expect us to rebound and have an incredibly successful season.”
The Lions remain on the road as they travel to Hoboken, N.J., for a match against the Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks on Wednesday, Sept. 7. The Ducks lost their home opener 1-0.
(08/30/16 8:23pm)
By Miguel Gonzales
Sports Assistant
After falling short of competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) tournament last season, a more experienced men’s soccer team is preparing to defeat its NJAC opponents and push to-ward the postseason.
The Lions capped off last season with a four-game winning streak in conference play before an overtime loss to Rowan University. The loss ultimately led to a seventh-place finish in the NJAC standings.
With 10 seniors returning to the pitch — including the team’s top scorer, midfielder Nick Costelloe — the Lions are looking to improve their 4-5 record against conference opponents. The Lions are ranked No. 7 in the annual NJAC Men’s Soccer Preseason Coaches poll, behind nearby contenders, such as Montclair State and Rowan universities.
On the front of the pitch, senior forward Thomas Hogue, sophomore midfielder Nick Sample and Costelloe will lead the offense.
Meanwhile, senior goalie Jake Nesteruk, who completed 59 saves last season, will coordinate a young defensive end with sophomores Joerg Jauck and Nick Provenzano.
Coach George Nazario enters his 22nd year with the Lions, as he seeks their first NJAC tournament appearance since 2013.
Last May, Nazario was inducted to the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame for his remarkable playing career.
The Lions will begin the season with a trip to Carlisle, Pa., for a matchup against Dickinson College on Friday, Sept. 2. Then they face the Elizabethtown College Blue Jays on Saturday, Sept. 3.
Afterwards, the Lions will head back to the friendly confines of the soccer complex to compete in the College’s Adidas Classic tournament against Keystone College and Whitworth University on Saturday, Sept. 10, and Sunday, Sept. 11.
The Lions are scheduled to play their first conference away match in Wayne, N.J., against the William Paterson University Pioneers on Saturday, Sept. 17.
(05/04/16 11:00pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Sports Assistant
The Lions concluded their season on a six-game winning streak as they won two crucial New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) doubleheaders at home. On Friday, April 30, the Lions defeated the Montclair State University Red Hawks in 8-5 and 9-1 victories. The next day, the Lions closed out their final regular season doubleheader with 4-0 and 3-2 wins against the Ramapo College Roadrunners.
During a breezy Friday evening, the Lions powered through a 4-0 deficit to snatch an 8-5 victory against Montclair State Red Hawks.
In the top of the first inning, the Red Hawks’s offense flew into action when sophomore infielder Alana Luna launched a two-run home run to quickly give the Red Hawks a 4-0 lead.
The Lions promptly responded in the bottom of the second inning when freshman infielder/outfielder Daniella Marino crossed home plate on a single to tie the score at four. The score remained tied until junior outfielder Nerylix Cerda scored on a single in the bottom of the third inning to give the Lions a 5-4 lead. The Lions offense never stopped, cumulating an 8-4 lead.
The Red Hawks attempted a comeback in the top of the seventh inning, but freshman pitcher Sara Bielamowicz came to the mound as a relief pitcher and silenced the Red Hawks batters. Bielamowicz’s performance led toward the Lions’s 8-5 victory.
The Lions soon followed up with a dominant 9-1 victory in five innings. Senior outfielder Kristen Fitzsimmons and freshman infielder/outfielder Jess Santelli led the College’s roaring offense with two hits apiece. Meanwhile, senior pitcher Katie Hourihan limited the Red Hawks to only four hits.
“The team really showed its potential this weekend,” senior infielder Deanna Utter said. “The offense and defense are clicking together just in time for the playoffs.”
The team’s six seniors — infielder Steph Vuono, catcher Jamie Purcell, Fitzsimmons, pitchers Ashtin Helmer and Hourihan and captain Utter — all played a pivotal role for the Lions through their time at the Dr. June Walker Field. On Saturday, April 30, the seniors rose to the occasion once again to help the Lions secure the third seed in the NJAC tournament with crucial wins against the Ramapo College Roadrunners
In the first match, sophomore pitcher Sam Platt collected her 15th victory of the season as the Lions won, 4-0. At the bottom of the fourth inning, Vuono drove a single toward center field to send Utter to home plate, giving the Lions a 4-0 lead. The four runs proved to be enough — Platt limited the Roadrunners to only three hits.
Afterwards, the Lions fought for one last win, as they narrowly defeated the Roadrunners, 3-2.
The Lions marked the scoreboard first when sophomore outfielder Madison Levine scored off of Santelli’s double in the bottom of the second inning.
The Roadrunners countered in the top of the fifth inning when junior infielder Grace Brennan and freshman infielder Megan Wall advanced to home off a double.
Down 2-1, the Lions recovered in the next inning when sophomore catcher Jenna Schwartz hit a grounder toward left infield and allowed Utter to score from third base. In another relief appearance, Bielamowicz secured the Lions’s 3-2 win by forcing the Roadrunners to hit pop-ups.
The Lions finish their regular season with an overall 26-13 record (13-5 in conference matches). During the season, freshman outfielder Gaby Bennett and Santelli led the Lions offense with .371 and .339 batting averages, respectively. Meanwhile, Platt led the pitching staff with 15 wins.
By earning the third seed in the NJAC tournament, the Lions set themselves up for another matchup against the No. 4 seed Ramapo College Roadrunners on Tuesday, May 3, at 4 p.m. in Dr. June Walker Field.
“Even though we swept Ramapo, our team has to be prepared for anything, especially in the playoffs,” Utter said.
(04/26/16 7:40pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Sports Assistant
The College lost twice at home before sweeping a doubleheader on the road against its New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) opponents. On Tuesday, April 19, the Lions failed to catch up with the Stockton University Ospreys’s offense in 8-2 and 2-1 losses. With urgency to win conference matches, they defeated the Kean University Cougars in 3-2 and 2-0 victories on Saturday, April 23.
The Lions’s offense marked the scoreboard first when senior infielder Deanna Utter scored on a double to provide the team with a 2-0 lead.
The Ospreys responded in the top of the seventh inning with a whopping five runs to cumulate a commanding 8-2 lead. In the subsequent inning, Ospreys’s sophomore pitcher Hannah Bibeault forced the remaining Lions batters to ground out.
In the second game, both teams competed in a close defensive matchup, with the College ultimately losing, 2-1. Freshman pitcher Sara Bielamowicz demonstrated great potential for the Lions’s future, as she only permitted three hits.
Unlike the first game, the Ospreys had a fast start as senior infielder Samantha Shockey scored two runs on a single to propel the Ospreys to a 2-0 lead. After five scoreless innings, the Lions strived toward a comeback and were one run short. With one out remaining, Utter scored on a double from freshman infielder/outfielder Jess Santelli. The Lions’s rally fell short when freshman outfielder Gaby Bennett was caught running to home plate.
“By the end of a competitive doubleheader, we are both mentally and physically drained,” Utter said. “It is important to stay engaged in the game from the first pitch to the last out. There is not time to take an at bat or an out for granted.”
At Union, N.J., the Lions’s pitching staff became instrumental at winning the games against the Kean University Cougars.
During the first match, sophomore pitcher Sam Platt held the Cougars offense to only four hits while the Lions stayed ahead. In the top of the second, Santelli and Bennett scored from a single to give the Lions a 2-0 lead. Sophomore outfielder Madison Levine later increased the lead to 3-0 when she advanced to home plate from a double.
The Cougars countered in the bottom of the fourth inning when junior infielder Amanda Berezny scored off a walk to shrink the Lions’s lead to 3-2. The Lions were able to maintain the lead and win the game with assistance from Platt’s pitching and their defense.
“Offensively, the team had quality at bats and strung hits together, while defensively, we caught the lead runners out,” Utter said.
The Lions followed up with a 2-0 shutout victory. Senior pitcher Kate Hourihan limited the Cougars’s offense to two hits. The Lions’s offense assured Hourihan’s dominant performance would result in a “W” for the team by pressuring the Cougars’s infielders with 10 hits.
“Offense and defense are equally important,” Utter said. “This weekend, we successfully executed in all aspects of the game. Our team has great chemistry and that is very beneficial on the field. We trust one another and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
The Lions will now attempt to capture four more crucial conference match victories at home this week. On Tuesday, April 26, the Lions will compete against the 20-14 Montclair State University Red Hawks. Later in the week, on Saturday, April 30, the Lions will try to slow down the 20-10 Ramapo College Roadrunners, who are currently enjoyed a five-game winning streak.
(04/12/16 5:42pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Sports Assistant
The Lions’s softball team won three of its four New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) games this past week. On Wednesday, April 6, the Lions endured a 12-2 loss against the Rowan University Profs before snatching a 7-5 victory in the second game of the day.
Later, on Sunday, April 10, the Lions swept the New Jersey City University Gothic Knights, 5-1 and 9-1, respectively.
For the week of Sunday, April 3, freshman outfielder Gaby Bennett was named the College’s student athlete of the week for her consistent hitting during the Lions’s victory against the Cabrini College Cavaliers and the William Paterson University Pioneers.
“Bennett covers a lot of ground,” head coach Sally Miller said. “She’s a good ball player and a good example of a freshman transitioning from high school softball. She stepped it up ever since the Florida trip.”
On the road in Glassboro, N.J., the Lions were overwhelmed by the Profs’s constant hits in a 12-2 loss. In the subsequent match, the Lions sprang to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning when freshman infielder/outfielder Jess Santelli landed home on a single.
The Profs quickly responded with two runs when sophomore catcher Mia Baldassari scored from a single. In the top of the second inning, senior infielder Steph Vuono extended the College’s lead to 5-2 when she blasted a solo home run. The Lions were able to hold their lead and secure the victory despite the Prof’s three run rally in the bottom of the seventh inning.
“We struggled on the mound (in the first game). They were a good team. They could hit and pitch,” Miller said. “The team jumped out with the hits first in the second game and forced the Profs to make errors.”
On Sunday, the Lions jousted the Gothic Knights, 5-1 and 9-1.
Sophomore pitcher Sam Platt limited the Knights to four hits and one run towards her 10th victory of the season. Meanwhile, the Lions’s offense supported the victory with eight hits and quick base running.
The Lions then proceeded to dismiss the Gothic Knights in a five-inning 9-1 rout. The Lions had a shaky start when Gothic Knight Freshman shortstop Hannah Gavin reached home plate on a wild pitch. After the mishap, the Lions never looked backed — senior pitcher Ashtin Helmer held the Knights to only two hits while the College’s offense pounded the Gothic Knight’s defense.
In regards to the nationwide appreciation of student-athletes during the NCAA Division III week from Monday, April 4, through Sunday, April 10, Miller emphasized the vital relationship between coaches and players.
“It’s hard for both coaches and players,” Miller said. “Every player has many academic responsibilities: internships, labs, exams. Right now, it’s clutch time for every player. Most (of) the players were in the library on Saturday when the game got rained out. If you are not academically responsible, then you can’t be athletically responsible. I try to be as flexible as I can with them through individual practices. It’s not easy.”
The Lions stay on the road this week with a conference game against Rutgers University-Camden’s Scarlet Raptors on Tuesday, April 12. Later, on Saturday, April 16, the Lions travel to Newark, N.J., for a doubleheader against the Rutgers University-Newark Scarlet Raiders.
(04/05/16 4:53pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Sports Assistant
The Lions dominated their opponents during the past week with back-to-back doubleheader sweeps. On Wednesday, March 30, the Lions defeated the Cabrini College Cavaliers in a close 5-4 matchup and followed up with a 15-1 victory. During the weekend on Saturday, April 2, the Lions beat New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) opponent William Paterson University Pioneers, with 4-2 and 3-1 victories.
Looking to brush aside their home opener losses, the Lions claimed a 5-4, close victory against the Cavaliers. Senior pitcher Katie Hourihan endured a shaky start in the first inning as she walked three batters, allowing the Cavaliers to score two unearned runs. In the top of the fourth, the Cavaliers extended their lead to four when junior outfielder Amber Dietrich and senior shortstop Kaitlyn Cooper scored individual runs off of Lions throwing errors.
The Lions then snatched the win in the bottom of the seventh inning. Down, 4-3, senior infielder Steph Vuono landed on home plate from a single. With two outs, bases loaded and the score tied, sophomore outfielder Madison Levine hit a clutch single to send senior outfielder Kristen Fitzsimmons home for the game-winning-run. The Lions then proceeded to dismiss the Cavaliers in an ousting 15-1 victory next game. The Lions’s offense highlighted the match with a whopping 12 hits. Junior infielder Colleen Phelan led the offense with three runs batted in (RBI). Meanwhile, Lions ace sophomore pitcher Sam Platt picked up her seventh victory of the season by holding the Cavaliers to three hits and striking out six.
“We win as a team and lose as a team. These past few sweeps would not have been possible if everyone did not contribute,” senior infielder Deanna Utter said.
On Saturday, April 2, the Lions competed against their first NJAC opponent of the season, the William Paterson Pioneers with 4-2 and 3-1 wins. Similar to their last matchup, the Lions conceded two runs in the first inning off of throwing errors. Despite the rocky start, pitcher Katie Hourihan set the tone by hurling six scoreless innings and permitting three hits. The Lions tied the score at two when Utter and Vuono scored off a single.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Lions gained a 4-2 lead when sophomore outfielder Madison Levine and freshman outfielder Gaby Bennett both scored off a double from senior catcher Jamie Purcell. Afterward, senior pitcher Ashtin Helmer sealed the victory.
The Lions followed up with a 3-1, low-scoring victory. In a pitcher’s duel, the Pioneers and Lions’s sophomore pitcher Sam Platt withheld each other’s offenses. The Lions marked the scoreboard first when Bennett scored off of Levine’s single. The Lions later extended their lead to three when Bennett scored again on a single from Purcell. In the midst, Sam Platt pitched six scoreless innings while only conceding five hits on her way to her eighth win on the season.
As of Saturday, April 2, the Lions currently have a 15-8 record and Bennett leads the Lions’s offense with 25 hits and a .397 batting average. On the mound, Platt leads the pitching staff with an 8-2 record.
The Lions hit south of the Garden State Parkway to Glassboro, N.J., for a doubleheader against the 17-5 Rowan University Owls on Tuesday. The Owls are currently in a 12 game winning streak.
“We have to stay within ourselves and prepare our game. To compete against the Profs, we are going to have to play the game we are capable of playing and come out hungry for both games,” Utter said.
Later on Saturday, April 9, the Lions compete against the New Jersey City University Gothic Knights in a doubleheader.
(03/29/16 4:12pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Sports Assistant
During the week of March 21, the Lions scrambled to find consistency as they won three games while conceding three losses during their home opener matches at Dr. June Walker Field. In the same week, freshman infielder/outfielder Jess Santelli earned her second New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) rookie player of the week honor for her overall stellar seasonal performance, which includes a .387 batting average with 24 hits. Along with Santelli’s accomplishments, the team itself has had its fair share of success during the beginning of the season.
On the road in Allentown, Pa., the Lions tamed the Muhlenberg College Mules with a two-game doubleheader sweep with scores of 5-1 and 5-3. Tied, 1-1, in the top of the seventh inning, senior infielder Steph Vuono hit a sacrifice bunt to allow senior infielder Deanna Utter to score.
The Lions later extended their lead to 5-1 with runs by sophomore infielder Cathy Drury, Vuono and Santelli. In the midst, sophomore pitcher Sam Platt held the Mules to only one run and five hits.
The Lions soon followed later in the day with a 5-3 victory. Locked in a 3-3 tie in the top of the sixth inning, freshman infielder/outfielder Daniella Marino was able to reach home plate when senior outfielder Kristen Fitzsimmons hit a fly out to right field. The Lions added an additional run in the subsequent inning when freshman outfielder Gaby Bennett scored from a single. Senior pitcher Katie Hourihan finished the match by forcing two groundouts.
Despite the roaring enthusiasm of the home crowd, the Lions were scorched by the Red Dragons from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland in 3-1 and 7-3 losses.
In the first match, the Lions only managed to score one run at the bottom of the first inning when Vuono scored from a single. Meanwhile, the Red Dragons’s junior pitcher Alexandrea Flint and freshman pitcher Sam Van Dorm limited the Lions to four hits.
Afterward, the Lions surrendered another loss to the Red Dragons. With the Lions holding on to a 3-2 lead until the top of the sixth inning, the Red Dragons reclaimed the lead when sophomore catcher Jamie Corradina and sophomore outfielder Allissa De Padua scored off a double.
The Red Dragons followed up with three additional runs in the seventh inning. In the midst of the Red Dragons’s hitting rampage, the Lions were not able to respond with another run.
“We need consistency, from the freshman to the upperclassmen. They can’t give up mental and physical errors in tough situations,” head coach Sally Miller said.
On Saturday, March 26, the Lions split their doubleheader series with the Ithaca College Bombers with a 6-4 loss and a 2-1 win.
With the Lions grasping onto a narrow 1-0 lead, the Bombers burst four hits and six runs to create a 6-1 lead.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Lions rallied when Vuono slammed a double and allowed senior catcher Jamie Purcell, sophomore infielder Jess Stevenson and sophomore outfielder Madison Levine to score. Despite the runs, the Lions were not able to tie the game up.
With a three-game losing streak behind them, the Lions captured a close 2-1 victory against the Bombers. Hourihan dominated with eight strikeouts and only surrendered three hits. In the meantime, the Lions were able to pull away with two separate runs in the second and fourth innings.
The Bombers attempted a comeback in the seventh inning when freshman infielder Hannah Anderson blasted a solo home run. Senior pitcher Ashtin Helmer responded with two strikeouts to secure the victory.
“Katie pitched great,” Miller said. “The defense were on their toes. Ashtin came in clutch and shut the bombers down in 17 pitches.”
The Lions continue their home stand with a doubleheader against the Cabrini College Cavaliers on Wednesday, March 26. Next Saturday, April 2, the Lions will face their first NJAC opponent in a doubleheader against the William Paterson University Pioneers.
(03/22/16 2:19pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Sports Assistant
While students from the College were on spring break recess, the softball team headed down to Clermont, Fla., for a 10-game series. Along the way, the Lions compiled six wins and four losses for an overall record of 8-5 on the season. For the week of March 16, freshman infielder/outfielder Jess Santelli was announced as the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) rookie player of the week for her consistent hitting during the Lions’s victory against Keene State College.
On Saturday, March 12, the Lions endured two narrow games with a 10-9 victory against the Calvin College Knights and a 3-4 loss against the Wesleyan University Cardinals. At the top of the sixth inning against the Knights, the Lions were leading 4-0 until junior Knight outfielder Caitlin Bell drove a double onto the right field and sent senior infielder Ashley Riemersma and sophomore outfielder Kimiko Hinatsu to home plate. The Knights then proceeded to take a 5-4 lead when freshman outfielder Kristen Newman scored from a triple and freshman shortstop Maddie DeGroot exploited a Lions’s error on third base to score.
The inning launched a constant back-and-forth notion of the Lions surging from run deficits until the bottom of the eighth inning. Down 9-8, the Lions broke open when senior outfielder Kristen Fitzsimmons scored from a double to even the score at 9-9. Senior infielder Steph Vuono miraculously scored off a wild pitch from Knights junior pitcher Paige Groom and sealed a 10-9 victory.
Following the dramatic game, the Lions’s offense was pecked by the Wesleyan University Cardinals. Down 3-4, the Lions failed to get on base during the top of the sixth and seventh innings. The Cardinals would ultimately take the win at 3-4.
On Sunday, March 13, the Lions’s offense roared toward a resounding 7-0 victory against the Keene State College Owls. The Lions accumulated 10 hits while sophomore and freshman pitchers Sam Platt and Nicole Frank secured the shutout. Afterward, the Lions were shutout themselves by the Frostburg State University Bobcats in a 2-0 loss. Bobcat sophomore pitcher Allison Short regulated the Lions to only two hits, while Lions senior pitcher Ashtin Helmer conceded two runs.
“Competition brings us together. It is pivotal for everyone to know each other and play the game together, especially first year players,” head coach Sally Miller said about the vigorous opponents. “Good bonding is more than necessary to play at such a high level of competition.”
With a stronger team bond developing, the Lions swept the Fitchburg State University Falcons and took home a win against the Westfield State University Owls in 5-0 and 9-3 victories, respectively.
Despite the momentum, the Lions endured a two-game losing roadblock against the Bethel University Royals and the University of New England Nor’easters. Locked in a 1-1 stalemate at the top of the sixth inning, the Royals earned themselves a 2-1 lead when sophomore infielder Wendy Roberts hit a single towards center field and senior outfielder Abbie Bircher scored from third base. Similar to the matchup against Wesleyan University, the Lions failed to score another run during the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings.
The Lions finished their last two matches with two wins, including an intense eighth-inning, 7-6 win against Amherst College.
With a 5-1 deficit in the top of the sixth inning, the Lions initiated a comeback when freshman outfielder Gaby Bennett scored from third base. The Lions evened the score in the following inning when sophomore outfielder Madison Levine slammed a single to left field and allowed freshman infielder Daniella Marino and Bennett to score. The Lions added assurance by extending their lead to 7-5 on top of the eighth inning. Senior catcher Jamie Purcell scored from a triple and senior infielder Steph Vuono astonishingly stole home plate. The Lions proceeded to shun Amherst College’s comeback and close the match.
“It’s a tough schedule,” Miller said. “(There are) a lot of good teams with good pitching and defense. We can’t let a team open the door on us towards the end — we have to sharpen our defense.”
The Lions travel to Allentown, Pa., on Wednesday, March 23, for a doubleheader against the Muhlenberg College Mules. After, the Lions arrive at Dr. June Walker Field for a doubleheader against the Red Dragons from the State University of New York at Cortland on Friday, March 25.
(03/08/16 5:42pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Sports Assistant
The College’s softball team commenced its season with a road trip to Salisbury, Md. On Saturday, March 5, the Lions defeated the Clarkson University Golden Knights, 9-3, in extra innings. The following day, Sunday, March 6, the Lions earned another victory from the Golden Knights in a dominant 9-1 win before falling to the Salisbury University Seagulls in an 8-0 loss on the same day.
After posting a 20-12 record before falling to the Kean University Cougars in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) tournament last year, coach Sally Miller and the Lions are striving to continue their winning momentum from the last regular season.
“We have been working hard since we came back from winter break and we were eager to start the season off,” senior infielder Deanna Utter said.
Initially, both the Lions’s and the Golden Knights’s offenses were locked down for three scoreless innings. In the fourth inning, the Lions played small ball to score their first run, with senior catcher Jamie Purcell reaching first base off a single towards the left outfield. Sophomore infielder Cathy Drury pinch ran for Purcell and was able to reach third base on a sacrifice bunt by Utter. With one out remaining, sophomore outfielder Madison Levine slammed the ball toward center field for a double, sending Drury to home plate for the lead, 1-0.
“We found ourselves being overly aggressive in the box and not swinging at the best pitches,” Utter said. “Once we made the adjustments offensively and settled in our routine, we were able to lay off the bad pitches and drive the good ones.”
In the sixth inning, the Lions’s extended their lead to three runs after Levine hit another double and allowed sophomore infielder Jess Stevenson and Utter to score.
The Golden Knights countered in the bottom of the sixth off a sacrifice fly to left field brought in a run. With the momentum, Knights’s sophomores utility player Erika Jensen and outfielder Bridget Woolley batted one runs batted in (RBI) each and equalized the score.
After another scoreless inning, the Lions sparked a captivating six-run inning through sophomore pitcher Sam Platt’s RBI double and freshman infielder Jess McGuire’s triple home run. Platt closed out the game after forcing Golden Knight Caggaino to line out towards the center infield, giving the team the victory.
The following day, the Lions smashed their hot bats to a 9-1 victory in a rematch against the Golden Knights.
Senior pitcher Austin Helmer threw a complete game while regulating the Golden Knights to only three hits and one run. In contrast to their previous game, the Lions immediately marked the scoreboard in the first inning when Purcell batted in a sacrifice bunt to allow freshman infielder Jess Santelli to score from third base.
From the first run, the Lions continued to score in almost every inning. In the fourth inning, the Golden Knights countered when sophomore infielder Chelsea Elliott singled and drove sophomore infielder Raeanna Dunn to home plate. It was the Golden Knights’s only run of the game.
After a brief, scoreless fifth inning, the Lions added another run and secured their second victory. Platt singled and capitalized on a throwing error to reach second base. Freshman infielder Daniella Marino pinch ran and reached home off an RBI single from freshman outfielder Gabby Bennett.
Later on in the afternoon, the Lions encountered a more difficult opponent and endured an 8-0 shutout loss from the Seagulls (6-3). The Lions’s offense was limited to two hits by Seagulls’s freshman pitcher Brooke Mizelle. Meanwhile, the Seagulls scored with home runs from senior catcher Paige Knussman and senior infielder Kim Dorsey.
With a 2-1 start to the season, the Lions will travel south to Clermont, Fla., for a 10-game series during the College’s spring break. The Lions’s next opponent will be the Calvin College Knights on Saturday, March 12.
(12/01/15 9:20pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Staff Writer
In a rematch of last year’s NCAA tournament semifinal, the College’s field hockey team was defeated by the Middlebury College Panthers, 4-1, on Saturday, Nov. 21.
The Panthers capitalized early in the match and barricaded the Lions’ offense. In the fourth minute, the Panthers earned a penalty corner and sophomore defender Caroline Knapp passed the ball to the top of the circle. Senior defender Shannon Hutteman received the pass and shot it to the far post. Meanwhile, junior forward Pam Schulman rushed to the box and scored off a deflection.
Five minutes later, the Panthers scored again when freshman midfielder Grace Jennings dribbled through the left side and sent a pass to sophomore midfielder Annie Leonard. Leonard then completed the goal with a fast shot toward junior goalie Kelly Schlupp.
The Panthers continued to put pressure on the Lions’ defense with three more shots. The Panthers later extended the lead to 3-0 in the 28th minute when Knapp scored off a rebound on the far post. Immediately, freshman forward Elizabeth Morrison gained possession from the Panthers and shot toward the box. Panther junior goalie Emily Miller ran out and kicked the shot for a save. The Lions had two more chances to score with shots from freshman forward Taylor Barrett and junior defender Lexi Smith.
The Lions were able to tally their side of the scoreboard in the second period. However, it was too late for a comeback. In the 42nd minute, Panther forward Schulman dribbled toward Schlupp. Schulman instantly slid through Schlupp and poked the ball to the near post. With a 4-0 deficit, the Lions scrambled for a scoring opportunity.
With the seven minutes remaining in the second period, the Lions scored their first goal when junior midfielder/forward Jaclyn Douglas shot the ball to the far post with an assist from Morrison. Despite the late push, the Panthers ultimately won the match, 4-1. The Panthers then went on to defeat the Bowdoin College Polar Bears, 1-0, on their way to winning the national championship.
While the Lions did not fulfill this year’s goal of defending their championship title, much was accomplished throughout the season. The Lions helped head coach Sharon Pfluger earn her 1000th career victory with a dominant win against Gwynedd Mercy University on Thursday, Oct. 1. The Lions were able to extend the previous season’s winning streak to a mounting 27 games. The season was also abundant with memorable games, such as the overtime home victories against Messiah College and Salisbury University. Altogether, the Lions recorded 12 shutout victories and the defense conceded only 18 goals. Schlupp finished the season with 64 saves. At the same time, the team scored a whopping 88 goals and was never shutout during the season. The team’s leading scoring players were Smith (21 goals), Douglas (17 goals) and senior forward Alicia Wagner (17 goals).
With senior players Wagner and Mikayla Cimilluca graduating soon, Smith commented on their greatest attributes during the time on the team.
“Mikayla and Alicia are more than just exceptional field hockey players. They are both phenomenal leaders,” Smith said. “Mikayla is central to our midfield and Alicia has a way of scoring goals in the most important situations. Both Mikayla and Alicia have been an integral part of the program over their careers, especially last season. We would not have been as successful as we were this season or last if it weren’t for both Mikayla and Alicia.”
With the defeat in mind, the Lions will approach the subsequent season with more experience and determination than ever before. The mission? Bringing home championship number 10.
(11/17/15 8:58pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez Staff Writer
The Lions are heading back to Lexington, Va., after defeating Rhodes College and Messiah College at Lions’ Stadium during the weekend of Saturday, Nov. 14. Like the previous year, the Lions were able to advance to the national semifinals with the home crowd cheering them on. But now, the Lions have a national championship to defend.
“Being the defending national champion, every other team is out to get you,” junior defender Lexi Smith said. “Every single game is important and nothing can be taken for granted. We just need to worry about living in the moment and enjoying the experience of competing at the highest level. Last season was last season, we cannot coast on being the 2014 national champions. We must make a name for ourselves again. To do that, we’re determined and ready to give it all we got.”
On Saturday, the Lions shutout the Rhodes College Lynx, 3-0. The Lions never stopped shooting until the last whistle. Within four minutes, freshman forward Taylor Barrett and senior forward Alicia Wagner shot toward Lynx sophomore goalie Laura Eckelkamp.
However, Eckelkamp kicked both shots and recorded two saves. In the 12th minute, Barrett passed from the right side of the circle towards junior midfielder Jaclyn Douglas, who whacked the ball into the net. Five minutes later, freshman forward Elizabeth Morrison scored off a rebound from Lynx goalie Eckelkamp. The Lions continued to pound the Lynx defense with multiple shots and penalty corners.
With a 2-0 lead on the board, the Lions continued their offensive dominance. At the 39th minute, Barrett hit a fastball that bounced off the right post. Douglas followed up with another shot that hit the post.
Two minutes later, Morrison received a pass from junior midfielder Danielle Andreula and scored a goal through the legs of Eckelkamp. The Lynx quickly charged through the Lions’ half of the field. Lynx senior midfielder Alex Friedman attempted to dribble and shoot toward the box until junior goalie Kelly Schlupp came in for a save. The Lions ended the second period with a pile of continuous penalty corners while regulating the Lynx to only four shots.
A few hours later after their victory, the Lions witnessed Messiah College’s 3-0 win against SUNY New Paltz. The Lions were prepared to encounter the familiar foe the next day, Sunday, Nov. 15. In contrast to the Saturday, Sept. 19, matchup, the Lions did not need more than 70 minutes to win the match.
The Lions defeated the Messiah College Falcons, 4-2, after scoring three uninterrupted goals in the second period. As usual, the Lions scored the first goal as they rushed into the box and Andreula poked in the ball.
The Falcons hastily responded when sophomore forward Corissa Gehman scored off a penalty-stroke goal. In the 15th minute, the Falcons scored again when junior forward Moriah Pfautz launched a shot to the left of the box. The Lions began to struggle with possession as many turnovers occurred and the Falcons took advantage by forcing multiple penalty corners.
But, the Lions found their rhythm in the second period. They scored three goals and shutout the Falcons’ offense. In Lions’ Stadium, the team knows that there is no such thing as too many penalty corners, and the Lions recorded 12 that game.
In the 38th minute, junior defender Alex Magnotta sent a pass to the left side where Barrett finished off a wide open goal. The Lions repeatedly forced more penalty corners until Morrison scored from the 10-yard line to give the Lions a 3-2 lead.
“At first, the team was playing fragmented,” coach Sharon Pfluger said. “Then in the second half, the team started playing more cohesively and cooperatively just like we have done during the season.”
In the 59th minute, Smith received a pass from Barrett’s penalty corner and scored from the top of the circle. With 10 minutes remaining, the Lions hardened their defense while the Falcons attempted to gain possession.
When the final whistle blew, the players raced to the field and embraced each other in jubilation. The Lions won the NCAA regional championship round to advance to the national semifinals.
“(It) feels surreal to be back,” Smith said. “I can’t put it into words. Being back there again, it almost feels like home.”
Now two games away from sealing the national championship again, the Lions are traveling down south to Lexington, Va., to face off against the 18-2 Middlebury College Panthers at Washington and Lee University on Saturday, Nov. 21.
(11/10/15 7:05pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Staff Writer
The Lions successfully defended their New Jersey Athletic Conference title by defeating the William Paterson Pioneers and the Rowan University Profs at Lions’ Stadium on Wednesday, Nov. 4, and Saturday, Nov. 7, respectively. Prior to the victories, the Lions received an abundance of season accolades from the NJAC. Junior midfielder Jaclyn Douglas was announced as the NJAC Offensive Player of the Year and junior defender Lexi Smith was announced as the NJAC Defensive Player of the Year.
In addition, coach Sharon Pfluger was honored as the NJAC Coach of the Year for the second season in a row. Lastly, senior midfielder Mikayla Cimilluca, Douglas, junior midfielder Danielle Andreula and Smith were named to the NJAC First Team. Senior forward Alicia Wagner and junior defender Shannon Cowles were given NJAC honorable mentions.
In the semifinals of the NJAC tournament, the Lions blanked out the Pioneers, 3-0. In the seventh minute, the Lions scored first when Wagner tapped the ball through the legs of Pioneer senior goalie Meg Davies. Afterward, the Lions’ offense thrashed the Pioneers’ defense with numerous penalty corners. The Pioneers only drew two shots in the 18th minute. Junior goalie Kelly Schlupp kicked out a shot from Pioneer sophomore forward Carly Satter. The Lions kept working on their penalty corners until freshman forward Taylor Barrett tipped in a goal from the far right post with an assist from Cimilluca.
“We practice (penalty corners) a lot,” Pfluger said. “Regardless of any position, each player is successful at their role.”
The second half featured more success in the Lions’ routine penalty corner play. In the 48th minute Smith received a pass from Barrett’s penalty corner and whammed a shot from the top of the circle. With a 3-0 lead, the Lions continuously pressured the pioneer defense. Wagner, Smith, freshman forward Elizabeth Morrison and junior defender Alexa Magnotta all recorded shots. However, Pioneer goalie Davies held them off with eight saves. The Lions finished with a total of 28 shots and 14 penalty corners while holding the Pioneers to three shots.
In the NJAC championship match, the Lions withstood a furious second half comeback to defeat Rowan University, 3-2. The Profs immediately began to pressure the Lions when Schlupp saved three shots. In the 18th minute, Cimilluca drove in four consecutive shots that were saved by Profs’ sophomore goalie Carly DeMarco. Despite DeMarco’s saves, Barrett was able to score in the 20th minute with an assist from Morrison. At the end of the first period, Morrison scored her own goal to extend the lead to 2-0.
The second period featured a late resurgence from the Profs. After a few missed penalty corners, Douglas scored in the 58th minute off an assist from Smith. The Profs promptly responded when sophomore forward Abbie Tucker scored off a penalty corner pass from senior forward Marisa Marini. The Profs mimicked an identical play at the 67th minute when Tucker drove a goal off of Marini’s penalty corner. As the clock approached zero, Schlupp saved a last-minute shot from Prof freshman midfielder Rachel Galante to seal the win.
With the victory, the Lions have claimed their second consecutive NJAC championship along with an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. As the team gears up to defend their national title, the College has earned a spot to host a regional round of the national tournament, beginning their playoff journey at home.
(11/03/15 9:31pm)
By Miguel Gonzalez
Staff Writer
The Lions concluded their regular season with two commanding victories against the Albright College Lions, 6-0, and the Kean University Cougars, 6-2.
For the week of Sunday, Oct. 25, junior defender Lexi Smith received her fourth honor as the New Jersey Athletic Conference’s (NJAC) defensive player of the week for her outstanding defensive contributions during the Lions’ victories against Rowan University and William Paterson University.
“Smith leads a TCNJ defense that has recorded four shutouts in league play and leads the conference with a 0.20 team goals against average in NJAC play,” according to the press release.
While for most students, Halloween was spent watching frightening movies and munching on sweet candy, Saturday, Oct. 31 at Lions’ Stadium was a moment of Lion pride. Families and friends came out to the field in honor of the team’s senior day as the College celebrated the accomplishments of its seniors — midfielder Mikayla Cimilluca and forward Alicia Wagner, with a 6-2 victory against conference foe Kean University.
The game was also special thanks to Play 4 The Cure, a fundraising program dedicated to helping fund cancer treatments through competitive play. The team participated in breast cancer awareness month, wearing special pink outfits during warm-ups and had a table set up for donations outside the stadium.
On the field the Lions took the lead over Kean momentarily when freshman forward Taylor Barrett scored in the fifth minute. Smith quickly followed up with a shot off of Barrett’s penalty corner, but sophomore cougar defender Shauna LaMaina thwarted the shot for a defensive save.
In the 11th minute, the College’s sophomore midfielder Taylor Nesnay scored off a rebound for her second goal of the season. The Lions struck again immediately, when Barrett assisted Wagner and caught the Cougars’ defense unaware for another goal. Without delay, the Cougars countered when sophomore forward Krista LaMaina took a shot, but the College’s junior goalie Kelly Schlupp made the save it to hold the match, 3-0.
The second period featured more offense from Kean, while Smith led the Lions with a hat trick. The Cougars gained their first goal of the match when Krista LaMaina scored off an assist from senior forward Chelsea Mann.
In the 46th minute, Smith scored on a penalty stroke goal after being fouled by Shauna LaMaina. Within four minutes, Smith netted another. Not long afterwards, the Cougars attacked the Lions’ defense when Krista LaMaina scored off a penalty corner assisted by sophomore defender Katie-Lynne Lussier.
Smith capped off her hat trick performance with a penalty stroke goal in the 65th minute.
The Lions finished off the regular season with a 16-1 record while remaining undefeated at 6-0 within the NJAC.
In the midst of a strong season, the Lions have scored 74 goals total with an average of 4.35 goals per game. Smith (19 goals), Wagner (16 goals) and junior midfielder Jaclyn Douglas (14 goals) are currently the team’s highest scorers. Freshman standout forwards Barrett and Elizabeth Morrison have contributed eight goals apiece. Schlupp has proven to be a dependable force with 50 saves, and only conceding 10 goals. The Lions’ defense have limited opponents to 0.59 goals per game while completing an outstanding 10 shutout victories.
With the regular season concluded, the Lions await to face the fourth-seeded William Paterson pioneers for the first round of the NJAC tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Lions’ Stadium.