By Malcolm Luck
Staff Writer
One season past the Lions’ 13-9 loss in the semifinal round of the NCAA Division III Tournament, the team is looking to advance to the final round in 2019. For the third year in a row, the College began its journey with a blowout win at home against Neumann University on Saturday, Feb. 23.
The Lions’ dominance began shortly after the first whistle, as the season’s first goal was scored off the stick of junior midfielder Alexandria Fitzpatrick who was assisted by junior attacker Olivia Cleale. Less than two minutes later, Fitzpatrick found herself on the other side of the exchange, assisting sophomore midfielder Kaela Sierra on her first goal of the season.
The College relentlessly peppered the back of the net with goals in the early portion of the game. With 26:37 remaining in the first half, Cleale assisted Fitzpatrick on her second goal of the season followed by another assist to junior attacker Kasey Donoghue less than 30 seconds later.
The Lions continuously secured draw control, which provided scoring opportunities on almost every possession. In a 2:17 span in the first half, the College scored five goals from four different players to put the team on top 9-0 with 21:25 left in the first half. By halftime, the Lions compiled an insurmountable 11-0 lead.
In the end, the Lions won by a final score of 16-0. Cleale led the team in points with nine following her eight assists and one goal. Fitzpatrick finished the day with four goals and three assists as well.
The Lions’ next game will be held at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham in Madison, New Jersey on Friday, March 1 at 4 p.m.
