Edward Rudman – Sports Writer
The women’s lacrosse team held an intrasquad scrimmage at Jess Dow Field on Wednesday, March 17, in response to their first scheduled game of the season against University of New Haven postponed due to a positive COVID-19 case on the Chargers program.
“At first, we were all extremely heartbroken because we were so ready and prepared,” said attacker Hailey Gordon, a senior. “Your mental state is so important during these games too. People have to mentally prepare and people have to get through their routines that they do before games and what not. That’s what we were all doing and then Kevin told us that we weren’t having the game and we were heartbroken, but that’ll be happening a lot this season and we can’t let it effect our mentality.”
Even though a scrimmage took place instead of an official conference game, the event was still treated as if it was the real deal. The game was livestreamed on the Owls’ athletic website and referees officiated the scrimmage.
The team broke into two squads, blue and white. They played a full 60 minute game. Stats were not provided by the athletic department.
“We knew that we had to treat it as a game because we were all so excited to get back out there,” said Gordon. “The game having refs and announcers, it’s really what energizes you. So it felt so good to actually be back on the field and putting our all into it and show what this long practice time has made for us.”
With 12 freshmen on the squad, it was an opportunity for a large class of first year players to get a feel of the collegiate level and to play somewhat of a real game with their teammates.
“It was very exciting because us freshmen haven’t played in so long, not even a scrimmage before this. It was very exciting to all go out together and push through it, It was really fun,” said midfielder Payton Papa, a freshman. “The whole game the upperclassmen were all helping us, even the upperclassmen on the other team. They were just giving us tips and helping us through it.”
Papa was able to score multiple times in the scrimmage, something she said helped her build confidence during her first collegiate experience.
“I was nervous at first but then once I got the first goal,” said Papa. “I gained more confidence and I worked harder throughout the whole game to hopefully get more.”
Although no stats were posted, the athletic department released an album of photos can be found on their website.
“Southern Connecticut State University women’s lacrosse’s non-conference matchup at Felician slated for Saturday, Mar. 20, 2021 will not be played as scheduled, per the established institutional and Northeast 10 Conference protocols,” said the athletic department in a press release on March 20. “The Owls’ NE10 matchup against Pace scheduled for Wednesday, Mar. 24 has also been postponed.”
As of now, no decision has been made on when the postponed games with New Haven and Felician will be rescheduled. The next game is scheduled for March 27.