By Stacy Troiano

Senior midfielder Casey McGrath’s one-sentence player description reads: a talented player who possesses the ability to impact the game at both ends of the field. She is part of the trio that head coach Abby Morgan calls “the big three.” In Sunday’s game, she proved why.

McGrath had tallied just two goals in the Pride’s first three games, but on Sunday she put to rest any rumors of a slow start, exploding for six goals and an assist against Cornell. She scored the six goals on just seven shots, and converted four of five free position shots after seeing a weakness in the defense.

“The refs were calling a lot of fouls on the defense because of their pressure, so I knew if I went hard I’d keep getting free position shots,” McGrath said.

McGrath scored three goals in a back and forth first half and came out in the second half prepared to start a rally. She did just that, notching the first three goals of the half for the Pride and igniting an offensive ambush that turned out to be a game-winning flurry of five consecutive goals.

Morgan said that she knew it was just a matter of time before McGrath came on and started playing like the All-American she is, and before Sunday’s game Morgan said she knew her star would be ready to play.

“Before the game Sunday, she said to me ‘I’ve got a lot of effort to bring today,’ and that’s what we can always expect from her,” Morgan said. “She had a rough beginning, but it was so nice to see her break out.”

McGrath, a native of Kings Park, N.Y., is coming off a 2006 campaign in which she led the Pride with 50 goals and was second in assists, with 16, and points, with 66. She was honored as a regional All-American and was an All-CAA first team selection.

McGrath and fellow seniors Becky Thorn and Kim Hillier provide the offensive experience and leadership to a squad that’s also breaking in a freshmen class full of talent. McGrath said it’s those freshmen, along with the rest of the Pride who should also get credit for her success.

“There’s no way I’d be able to do it if the whole team wasn’t working hard behind me the entire way.”