FIELD HOCKEY TEAM ON A ROLL
By Emily Hayes
Comment Staff
The Bridgewater State University field hockey team is on a roll. Winners of eight straight games, the Lady Bears are 10-2, and 6-2 in the Little East Conference (LEC) for third place.
During the eight game winning streak, they have allowed just three goals, and have notched five shutouts.
“They have a determination,” said head coach Erika Smith. “That is what has gotten us those [eight] wins and those five shutouts. It’s been challenging but they’ve really worked hard for it.”
Senior goaltender Kacie Sturgeon has been strong between the pipes, as she received Little East Conference Field Hockey Goalkeeper of the Week honors this week and for the fifth time this season.
In their most recent game against Western Connecticut State University on October 13, the Lady Bears won 3-1. Senior forward Demi Miskiv scored two goals in the win to move into fifth place on the BSU all-time goal scoring list.
“We’re just working on having that fierceness to go out there everyday and playing like we’re going to win,” said Miskiv.
The third goal was scored by senior midfielder Georgina Bagordo, assisted by sophomore forward Jennifer Arnold. Also, Sturgeon made seven saves during the game.
“The girls have been working really hard so it’s nice to know that their hard work is paying off,” said Smith. “They’re working hard at practice and in the games.”
There are several factors that the team believes is helping them win. One of these factors is their team dynamic.
“This year is a whole group effort,” said senior forward Carissa Vizakis. “I feel like we’re all gelling together. It means a lot more when we’re winning because it’s a team effort.”
Bridgewater State has one thing on their mind right now, the end of the season. With only five games left in the regular season, the Lady Bears are in a key position to secure a postseason berth.
“Just keep working hard everyday,” said Smith. “Keeping improving everyday and improve every game and then that will prepare us for playoffs.”
Last season, the Lady Bears lost in the LEC Tournament Championship to Keene State College and the six seniors on Bridgewater State are determined to get back to the postseason for their final time.
“We definitely want to make this season a memorable season,” said Visakis. “Whether that means, even if it’s not breaking records, if it’s a solid, successful season then that’s what we want.”
The Lady Bears are determined to make it back to the LEC Tournament title game again this year, but hope there will be a different outcome.
“We’re all just so focused and we’re like a machine right now,” said Visakis. “Just kind of going and going and going. We’re just one game at a time and thinking about the goals specifically for that game and then going out there and getting the job done because there’s no other way.”
Bridgewater State will host the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth at 12 p.m. on October 19.
Emily Hayes is a Comment sports writer. Email her at e4hayes@student.bridgew.edu.
