The women’s soccer team began their NJAC schedule with a bang this past Sunday, beating Ramapo University in convincing fashion, 8-0.
“We were passing the ball around very well,” senior defender Annie McCarthy said. “By keeping possession for the majority of the game, it made it hard for Ramapo to have a good chance for a goal.”
Senior defender Brittany McGinley and junior forward Allyson Anderson stood out for the Lions, tallying two goals each to begin the game, and the team entered the half with a staggering 6-0 lead over the Roadrunners. Even though the team was miles ahead, the defense never let up their pressure.
“We’re a team that does not give up,” senior defender Nikki Migliori said. “We see the whole game through. We pride ourselves on this belief that we stay focused and work hard all 90 minutes.”
The shot discrepancy was enormous, with the College outshooting Ramapo 38-2, mostly because of good ball movement and keeping it away from the Roadrunners. For a team that has had its struggles with offense in the past, a performance like this was important.
“What we have been working on the most lately is scoring,” junior forward Jess Davila said. “Our goal for the game was to finish all of our chances. It was really unfortunate for Ramapo that they had to play us when we had the mindset to finish every shot we took.”
The offensive performance inspired confidence in the team, and, according to Davila, should mean more solid play is on the horizon.
“It was really great having so many people contribute to the win,” Davila said. “It really boosted our confidence, and hopefully, we can continue just like this the rest of the season.”
The team also defeated Drew University by a score of 2-0 on Sept. 15. Davila and junior forward Katie Landrigan each contributed a goal, and the defense held Drew to just one shot on goal for the game.
For this team, a loss in the first game of the season has helped them make their way back to the top. Since their loss to Ithaca College in their first game of the season, the Lions have shut out their last three opponents and outscored them by a score of 14-0 collectively.
“No loss is a good thing,” McCarthy said. “But I do think it is a good thing we learned our lesson early on not to let teams hang around. We do belong back on the top. Luckily, we have all season to climb back up the ladder. We go out every game with intentions of a win.”
With their NJAC opener behind them, the team is now looking at a week filled with NJAC matchups against Richard Stockton College and Montclair State University. Even with those big games looming, the team has remained confident and focused.
“We’re staying focused and healthy,” Migliori said. “Everyone on this team is willing to give it their all.”
