In the team’s final game of the season the Cabrini field hockey team lost in the Colonial States Athletic Conference championship game (CSAC) 5-1 to the Gwynedd Mercy University Griffins for the third year in a row.
As the team ends their season with an overall record of 13-5, their 13 wins were the second most in their programs’ history.
Gwynedd Mercy, winning their third consecutive championship earned the CSAC’s automatic bid in the 2014 NCAA tournament.
As a team the Cavaliers attempted five shots on goal, but in the end it could not beat the success of the Griffins. Early on in the game the Griffins took the lead after Stephanie Bacho scored the teams’ first goal. At halftime the score remained 1-0
Sophomore Taylor Mack, business major, scored the game-tying-goal in the 52nd minute.
Unfortunately that did not stop the Grffins who regained their lead in less then 90 seconds. ”We struggled a little with finishing, but we kept getting to the goal just struggled to finish,” Mack said. “We could have had been a little less tense at first, and just play Cabrini field hockey and not be so nervous.”
Mack describes the season as being great besides the fact that their season ended earlier then they wanted it to.
“We finished with one of the best records ever for Cabrini,” Mack said. “The seniors and captains really took on their role and pushed us everyday and made this year the best it could be.”
The team has hopes of earning a trip to the ECAC tournament.
In the end all Mack is focused on is getting back on the field next season with her teammates who she considers her sisters and hopefully getting back to the same spot. Not only for herself but also for the seniors graduating this year and for coach Jackie Neary.
However the top seeded Cavaliers were rewarded with CSAC honors for several of their athletes.
Sophomore Kylie McDevitt, Junior Kerry-Anne Farrell and Junior Jen Webb were named to First Team All- CSAC.
Senior Karlie Gruccio and Senior Danielle Palatano were named to Second Team All-CSAC.Senior Tori Conelli was named to Honorable Mention All-CSAC. Along with first team honors, Farrell was named CSAC player of the year, while coach Jackie Neary was named CSAC Coach of the Year.
With the departure of several seniors and the emergence of several young players, eyes will be on the Cavs next season to see if they can return to their dominant form.
@AnesiaMeredith