In the young season the Lions have had little trouble remaining undefeated thanks to a dominant offensive attack led by junior midfielder Ali Jaeger. The College sought to tally another win as it hosted Ursinus College last Thursday March 25. Jaeger came into the match with 23 goals and nine assists on the season and she walked off the field with six more goals and another assist to add to her résumé. Those totals rank Jaeger first nationally in points per match at 7.8.
The Lions tied its season-high total for goals as they rolled past Ursinus College 22-8.
The Lions have made it a habit to deliver high scoring matches as they have scored 16 or more goals in four of their five games this season.
“The attack is pretty experienced,” said head coach Sharon Pfluger. “They’re reading each other well. Some kids are going to the goal sometimes and those same kids are assisting other kids. It’s all about experience and really trusting each other to play well together out there.”
The Lions got a surprising breakout performance from sophomore attacker Sara Keating on their way to victory.
Keating came into the game with only two goals on the season, but exploded to score seven goals against the Bears. Her game total from Thursday matched her season total from 2009.
“I made the free-positions,” said Keating. “That really helped. Our movements were a lot better today too and so were the feeds. I think everyone else was just seeing me a lot better today.”
“Sara played really well today,” Pfluger said. “She knew where to hit and she was hot, so you just gotta give her the ball. It’s a good boost of confidence for her too because she’s a good player”
Another key factor in the Lions’ second 22-goal output was Jaeger, who has been a star for the Lions all year.
“I wouldn’t consider myself the star out there,” Jaeger said. “It’s definitely a team effort. I just try to be consistent every game and make sure I’m setting an example for the team.”
Team effort or not, Jaeger’s play has been an example of something every player should try to emulate.
“The passing has really stepped up this year,” Jaeger said. “We’re able to get the feeds inside and we’re completing a lot of shots as well. “
The Lions also got solid performances out of sophomore midfielder Leigh Mitchell and senior attacker Lisa Seldeen.
Mitchell compiled four goals and one assist, while Seldeen increased her season assist total to seven after collecting a game-high four assists.
Seldeen fed Mitchell with 11:35 left in the second half to give the Lions their biggest lead of the night, 21-6.
The Lions’ impressive offensive display was also backed up by a solid defensive effort and good goalie play.
“I thought our defense played pretty well,” Pfluger said. “We made some mistakes that Ursinus capitalized on, but overall I think we played pretty well.”
The College will look to continue its winning streak as it hosts Gettysburg College on Saturday April 3 at 1 p.m. and Rutgers University — Camden on Tuesday April 6 at 7 p.m.
