The Red Hawks started off the week as planned, smoothly shutting out visiting Hartwick College last Wednesday. The weekend road trip to New Jersey proved troublesome, however, as the field hockey team was unable to get on the board during a close loss to William Paterson University and again Sunday versus Montclair State University, and the team fell to 2-3 on the season.
Although the team won’t get a preview of what can be anticipated in the playoffs this season until they start its league games in late September, the early season will hopefully prepare them for a run at the playoffs. “We had a pretty good end to last year as we made the playoffs,” said senior Lisa Pak. “We lost in the first round, though, to a good William Smith team, so we hope to build upon that. We have a lot of great players, so I’m hoping for a really good year and another trip to the post-season.” The team is ambitious and has set its sights on a bid to the NCAA tournament—“Make it to Liberty Leagues and move on to NCAAs,” said junior Kerri Clark of her goals for the team.
The team does have a lot to work on before it gets to the meat of the schedule. “We are trying to improve on our communication from the back field all the way to the offense,” said Clark. “We are a fast group of girls, all who have something to bring to the table. We are skilled and work well together.”
“We’re trying to improve on offensive corners,” junior Sara Stylinski added. While offense is often emphasized, Stylinski also commented on the team’s “solid sophomore defense with Alex Lamparski, Joanna Aliprando, and goalie Kate Williams.” She finished, “Another huge strength is our team unity.”
The freshmen are adjusting quickly to the collegiate level of play. “The freshmen gel nicely with our upperclassmen,” said Clark. “They are a great group of girls who are willing to learn and are ready to step into any position.” “We have eight wonderful, talented girls that fit right into our crazy bunch,” said Stylinski.
Wednesday’s 3-0 victory came on 17 shots, while the team held the Hawks to just three. Stylinski wasted no time and scored off sophomore Megan McNamara’s rebounded shot less than eight minutes into the game. Clark was next to score after the half when the goalie lost control of the ball. At 63:27, freshman Sandy Turnbull made it 3-0 to finish off the victory.
Saturday’s 1-0 loss came off a single goal by William Paterson just after the half. With just four shots on goal for each team, the goal keepers played an integral part—Williams was in net again for the Red Hawks.
Sunday saw No. 11 ranked Montclair State’s Red Hawks beat the RPI Red Hawks 4-0. Although Williams made 12 saves in net, the relentless attack took its toll. Holding its own against a nationally ranked team, RPI held the visiting Red Hawks to a 1-0 lead in the first half and all but scored when senior Michelle Clemente’s shot was deflected by a defender.
RPI will return to Harkness Field this Thursday against Oneonta State at 7 pm. “Our team is very passionate about winning and we are also a close group and I think that that will help us with the long road ahead,” said Pak, “I’m very excited.”
“I am looking forward to winning games,” Clark agreed.
