The Asbury Eagles took on Warren Central on Sunday and won their first game of the season by a final score of 11-4.
“Having this win for the team is huge for us,” said sophomore Sophia Carmody. “I think we really rose to the occasion today and played as one.”
Freshman Mary Tidei agreed by saying it was good to get a win under their belt. “We’ve had some frustrating games that were close,” she said, “so it’s good to get that win finally.”
Overall, the season has given the team a record of 1-8. Carmody appoints difficult opponents as one of the leading causes.
“I think this season has been difficult for many reasons,” she said. “We come out with fire and then lose it by the second half or vice versa. We have played some tough opponents with great skills, and I think, during some games, we underestimate our skills and panic.”
Another contributing factor, Carmody says, is the demand of everyday life and finding rest amid practices, games and homework. “We are all involved in some type of extracurricular activity, and it is hard to remind ourselves to take care of ourselves off the field.”
The team has emphasized working together through bonding events to combat these challenges. They all partake in team dinners, movie & dip nights and game nights to remind themselves they are playing for each other. Carmody said, “This team is more than just a team you see on the field. We are a family. Each of my teammates has been so influential in the way I play lacrosse and has definitely made a huge impact on my confidence and helped me achieve the goals I have for each game.”
Carmody scored three of the 11 goals, marking a shift in her career as she attempted more aggressive plays. She said, “I have always been cautious about how I protect the ball and not lose possession of it. So when or if I shoot, I try only to shoot when I know I can one hundred percent make it. But making these three goals has just lit this fire in me that. If I tell myself I can score goals, help my team put those points on the board, and then I believe it and make it happen.”
The team secured victory as they played more offensively and defensively as a unit. They maintained their “fire” throughout the game and achieved the smaller goals they set for themselves, which yielded promising results.
The win has energized them as they approach the last five games of the season. “We can play better as a team and remember why we are playing this sport and who we play for,” said Carmody.
Switching to DIII has brought a new variety of competition, too. Tidei claims because of this, next year, they’ll be even stronger. “I think we will have a better read of the competition we’ll be facing next year.”
The Eagles take on Mount St. Joseph tomorrow in Cincinnati.