By Kirsten McKenna
The Pride enter Sunday’s must-win match against Northeastern with an overall record of 6-8 on the season. Currently ranked in front of Towson, William and Mary, and Virginia Commonwealth, Hofstra (2-3 CAA) has to win the last three games of the season to secure a playoff berth and a chance at potential postseason success.
With their most recent loss to Columbia in a non-conference match-up last week, Hofstra has an 11-day period without any competition, leaving time for rest and preparation to challenge and defeat Northeastern on Sun., Oct. 21.
Kristin Thompson who scored the only Hofstra goal versus Columbia, said, “The loss to Columbia was a harsh reality check, but it had its positives. We know the mistakes we need to improve on in order to be victorious against such quality competition.” The team has been working hard to be prepare mentally, physically, and technically for the game against Northeastern.
Head Coach De Angelis has been doing her best to help the team prepare. She said, “Practice has been tough, very disciplined. We’ve been trying to create that kind of atmosphere.”
Prepared to dominate in the remainder of the regular season, Coach De Angelis has confidence in her team’s physical abilities. She does not want the team to enter the game in fear of the outcome. De Angelis said, “We don’t want to come out with a fear factor on Sunday, the physical condition and skill of this team has already been determined this season- I want this team to come out with all energy and fortitude, and the outcome will take care of itself.”
With a loss of strong upperclassmen last year, consistency on the playing field has been problematic. A lot of starters have faced injuries since preseason as well, causing continuous on- field adjustment. According to Coach De Angelis, this season has functioned as a rebuilding season. She said, “We want to do anything we can to set a precedent for this particular team so we can get back to the top of the CAA.”
By winning the last three games, Coach De Angelis would achieve her seventh consecutive winning season at Hofstra. She said, “It would be exciting for me and Hofstra’s Field Hockey program.” A playoff berth will also be granted to the team if they defeat Northeastern, Towson, and Delaware.
The team has high expectations to travel to Virginia Beach to participate in the CAA Field Hockey Championship Tournament. Brit Blankmeyer is determined to aid her team, as she has played in Hofstra’s recent playoff appearances during her freshman and sophomore years. Blankmeyer said, “I want to step up and remain focused against Northeastern. When it comes to this weekend, I want to be a motivator to the whole team.”
Hofstra lost in the semifinals to Northeastern in 2005 and James Madison in 2006. Blankmeyer said, “Playoffs give you a second chance, allowing you to beat teams you lost to during the regular season.”
The Pride, who suffered an overtime loss of 3-2 to Delaware in the 2006 regular season, was able to defeat Delaware 2-1 in the playoffs. Blankmeyer said, “They [playoff games] are exciting because it’s anyone’s game.”
The girls continue to work hard towards their goal of defeating Northeastern. Thompson said, “It is going to take a total team effort and we need to execute in every game.”
Nadine Surak dives to make a save earlier in the year against Yale University. The team’s long break ends Oct. 21 in Hempstead against Northeastern University. (Jeff Herman)