Written by Alexis Barton
This Saturday, the field hockey team took their first loss of the season while visiting St. Mary’s College of Maryland. In a close match, the team kept the Seahawks at bay until the 4th quarter, the Maroons lost 2-0. The game wasn’t lopsided in any sense, with the Maroons putting forth a solid effort in both their offensive and defensive zones. Despite the loss, this game hasn’t dampened the team’s sights for an incredible season. After a 2-0 record to start the season, these Maroons have high hopes.
Sophomore midfielder Lauren Roth emanates this vision that the team has had coming into the 2019 season. “To start the season off on such a positive note is one of the best ways to begin… it allows us to push ourselves as a team and have a desire to see where we can go.”
The team as a whole has received high praise from the conference, ranking 4th in ODAC’s preseason poll. The Maroons had two dominating wins leading up to their match versus St. Mary’s. With a 9-1 win over Lancaster Bible College and a 3-1 win over Wesley College, this loss did not come easy. “The St. Mary’s game was our first loss, which is always tough and never fun… but the game demonstrated how much we have already improved, and how much more we can continue to improve.” There’s no doubt that the team will make this first loss a turning point in their season.
This season has also been a turning point for Roth as she plays in her second collegiate season. “I returned to campus knowing my teammates, knowing the dynamics of collegiate field hockey, and simply just knowing Roanoke. This season is a bit more refreshing because I have a better grasp on what is required from me as a player and a teammate this season.”
Roth has been a key part of the team’s success, holding a .500 shooting percentage and .500 shots-on-goal percentage. Roth is part of an excellent core of players that has propelled this team to such great success so far in the season. Come see these Maroons face Centre College at home this Saturday, the 21st at noon. Go Maroons!
