By Chrissy Onorato
Correspondent
The College’s women’s soccer team knows how to start a season off on the right foot. The team began what should be a promising season with the TCNJ Classic this weekend at the College itself and won both games easily against the University of Rochester and Skidmore College by scores of 1-0 and 6-0 respectively.
The Lions’ first game was on Friday against Rochester under the hot sun, but they did not let the heat get to them. In fact, they seemed to play even more intensely. Many students, families and friends came out to support the team and they were not disappointed.
An early game goal by junior forward Katie Lindacher set the pace for the team as their strong defense kept the ball well away from their own goal. Some spectacular saves by sophomore goalie Kendra Griffith also propelled the team to their opening win. Griffith was out for the entire 2011 season due to an injury, but watching her play this year, she looked like she never missed a game.
The Lions had a massive total of 22 shots on goal and showcased their stellar offense. Junior midfielder Sloan DePiero made some spectacular drives down the field, as well as senior defender Brenna Rubino. The final score was 1-0, but the goals seemed to unfold even more in the second game on Saturday.
In front of another large crowd, the final round of the tournament featured the Lions against Skidmore College, and the offense really exploded. Lindacher provided three goals this time, and one each was scored by sophomore forward Leigh Applestein, senior forward Katie Landrigan and freshman midfielder Shannon White.
The first goal of the game came from Lindacher only 39 seconds into the game. Skidmore only had a total of three shots on our goal while the Lions had 19.
The freshmen really stepped up in these games and showed everyone their immense skill with strong performances. Freshmen midfielders Carly Setaro and Taylor Lusardi and forwards Justine Larocca and Kendel Bernardini all had shots on goal and helped their fellow teammates to sweep this weekend.
We can look forward to another thrilling tournament next weekend up in Oneonta, N.Y. On Saturday, the team goes against Oneonta State and on Sunday they play Hartwick College. This looks to be another promising tournament in which the Lions are hoping to dominate just as they did this past weekend.
