By Fiona Espinoza-Castro
Correspondent
The College’s women’s soccer team hosted Rutgers University Camden for the annual “Pink Game” on Oct.16, honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month with players wearing pink ribbons in their hair.
With 244 attendees, the pressure rested on the Lions, who were aiming to extend their winning streak to six games. The Lions entered the match with an undefeated record of 10-0-2, while the College’s opponent held a record of 6-6-2.
Right from kickoff, the intensity of the game exceeded the Lions’ expectations, presenting them with an unexpected battle against the Scarlet Raptors. Both teams pressured hard, testing each other with defensive and offensive plays. Despite their record, Rutgers–Camden was an opponent that wasn’t going to be easily overpowered.
“We came out really strong,” said senior business marketing major Victoria D’Imperio. “We had a lot of chemistry and we moved the ball really fast, which helped us get the chances and finish our chances.”
Sophomore undeclared major Alyssa Alfano had an opportunity to drive the ball into the back of the net during the 25 minute mark, but Rutgers–Camden’s goalkeeper Michaela Graham blocked the shot.
Five minutes later, one of the Scarlet Raptors ran half of the pitch on her own after maintaining possession of the ball. However, the Lions freshman kinesiology and health sciences major goalkeeper, Ellen Williams, blocked the chance.
Nearing the 38th minute, D’Imperio scored an electrifying goal, which energized the Lions and caused them to amp up the atmosphere on the pitch. Two minutes later, D’Imperio found the net again, striking the ball into the back after a long pass from senior business major Ava Curtis.
This goal marked a milestone for D’Imperio as it launched her over 100 career points in her time at the College, making her the seventh player to ever do so.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the team,” said D’Imperio. “The ball was fed throughout the 18 a lot, and we just had to finish the chances.”
Rutgers-Camden’s Asia Horne tried to respond, but her shot went wide. With 51.9 seconds remaining in the first half, D’Imperio took advantage of an error from Rutgers-Camden’s defense, who sent the ball backward. D’Imperio shot the ball with her right foot, completing a hat-trick.
“They were good. It was a tough game,” D’Imperio said. “They were very physical, they had a lot of energy, which we did as well so it came out to be a good match.”
This secured D’Imperio’s third career hat-trick, placing her with 103 career points, only three away from joining the top five players in the College’s history. D’Imperio has received various accolades including the following: NJAC Midfielder of the year (2023), 1st team All-NJAC (2022, 2023) and NJAC Offensive Player of the Week seven times.
In the second half, the Lions continued their momentum, dominating possession of the ball and firing 16 additional shots. Senior marketing major Cassidy DiSabato took four shots, including a header shot that went high in the 56th minute and another attempt four minutes later that went wide.
Freshman undeclared major Jenny Ward scored a goal assisted by freshman nursing major Emily Weidner after a rebound off Rutger-Camden’s goalkeeper Jordana Fredo. Moments later, Ward attempted to shoot again but was denied. With the score standing at 4-0, Williams secured another clean sheet for the Lions.
“Honestly just scoring more goals and getting more wins,” D’Imperio said when asked about the team’s goals moving forward. “We have to keep the energy going and keep it moving. Winning NJAC is a major one, and we’re focused on that.”
The Lions offensive dominance was clear as they totaled 26 shots throughout the entire match, while their opponent had two, neither of them being on target.
Since the Pink Game, the College has added a few more wins to their resume, bringing their record to 14-0-2. The NJAC tournament starts in just over a week and the College will shift their focus to trying to bring home not only an NJAC championship, but a national championship.
