The lacrosse team made its debut over the break, securing two wins on the road in games versus Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham and Mount St. Mary's College (Md.).
The season's first game was postponed a few days due to weather, but when the Lions finally took the field, it was evident the team came ready to play hard.
The Lions dominated for nearly the entire game, sweeping the Devils of FDU-Florham in a 20-4 victory.
"The first game was very exciting for our team," head coach Sharon Pfluger said. "There was balance all over the field, from the defensive end through the midfield and on the attacking end, as seen by the goal scoring."
Teamwork was definitely evident with seven different Lions scoring the first 10 goals of the half.
FDU-Florham was hardly given a chance to retaliate, netting only two goals in the first 30 minutes as the Lions led with a score of 11-2 at halftime.
Early in the second half, the Devils tried to stage a comeback, striking twice within the first six minutes. However, their offensive spree was quickly quieted by the Lions, who proceeded to shut out their opponent for the rest of the game, but not before scoring nine more goals of their own.
Several new faces could be seen on the field as a handful of freshman made their collegiate debutes.
Freshman midfielder Leigh Mitchell helped out the team, adding one goal and one assist while fellow classmate and midfielder Alison Jaeger added two goals and two assists of her own.
"From a freshman's standpoint," Jaeger said, "the upperclassmen have been so welcoming and helpful in our transition from the high school to the collegiate level of play."
Senior midfielder and All-American Toni-Anne Cavallo led the Lions' offense, recording five goals. Senior goalkeeper Caitlin Gregory finished with 12 saves.
On Sunday, the Lions once again handed out defeat as they slipped past the Seahawks of Mount St. Mary's College with a score of 13-9.
Senior Karen Doane was the first to score for the Lions, netting a goal nearly four minutes into the first half.
The Seahawks responded quickly with a goal of their own less than 30 seconds later.
After another Lions' goal by freshman Leigh Mitchell, the College continued to hold the lead for the rest of the game.
Junior forward Rachel Gordon led the Lions in scoring, putting away five goals. Gregory finished with nine saves on the day.
The Lions will look to extend their undefeated season to three games in a matchup at SUNY-Cortland on Saturday at 1 p.m. The team will play its home opener on Tuesday, March 25 at 7 p.m.
