By Julian Markese
Sports Editor
The field hockey team lost at home Saint Anselm College, who are the defending Division II champions, on Saturday, Oct. 18.
The loss came on the heels of two NE10 victories. The Owls beat Saint Thomas Aquinas College and Mercy University last week.
“We were flat today,” Head Coach Kelley Frassinelli said. “I don’t think we had the communication we needed. It was very quiet.”
The game did not start well for the Owls. They were down two goals before the end of the first period.
The first goal rebounded into the net after a Hawk’s penalty corner, one of eleven they had in the game. The second goal was lifted over the head of goalkeeper Rachel Miller, a senior.
The Owls recouped after the slow start. Miller played well, defending her team and net with passion and, at times, physicality. She finished with 16 saves.
“She played spectacular today,” defender Mckenzie Fairfax, a junior, said of Miller. “We have her back and she has ours.”
Fairfax staunchly held down the left side of the field, making plays with the ball when asked.
The second and third quarters were more closely contested.
In the second, the Owls found it difficult to maintain possession. Forward Keana Criscoulo, a sophomore, made a few threatening runs. Miller made more saves.
Coming out of the half, the team was able to put a little bit of pressure on Saint Anselm.
Midfielder Isabella Fölster, a freshman, made a dangerous pass to forward Natalia Fiato, a senior, which resulted in a chance at goal.
Midfielder Taylor Leckey, a senior, spun quickly and fired a shot just past the net.
Midfielder Avery Vaccaro, a freshman, made a decent interception before playing a brilliant pass to midfielder Kaiya Mercier, a freshman, who took a shot on goal.
None of the Owls’ chances hit the mark.
The team would relent once more in the fourth, bringing the score to its final 3-0 resting place.
“Not the result we wanted, but at the end of the day we played well,” Miller said. “And it was a really tough team.”
The team is better positioned than they have been in the past. The Owls have not won more than four conference games since 2012.
“We have a goal: to make it to the playoffs,” Miller said.
The team sits at 4-4, with four conference games still to play.
“This year it can be anybody’s game,” Fairfax said. “We want to strive to be the best.”
The team is gaining confidence. The recent results and performances against tough opponents are encouraging. Each game is a learning opportunity for a young team.
“If you’re not in a situation enough times, you’re not ready for it. They’re learning how to be ready,” Frassinelli said.
