2008 Woodie Awards
RSSTough beginnings, but hope for sweet end
By Brian Sandelovsky
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: Sports
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The team began with three straight losses - two by one goal. But the Hawks are now 7-6, with a 2-1 league record.
"Winning this game would put us in a great position as far as the Patriot League rankings," senior midfielder Marny Hearn said. "It would make our seed better for the postseason tournament."
No matter who the Hawks face, the team tries to maintain the same focus going into every game.
"We keep the same basic game plan from one opponent to the next," senior midfielder Christy Smith said. "We want to play together to maximize our collective performance."
Even though American is 11-3 overall and 3-0 in the Patriot League, the Hawks' players said they have a chance to win.
"There are no predetermined winners," Smith said.
Smith was recently named the Patriot League's Offensive Player of the Week after scoring the winning goal in the Hawks' overtime win against Holy Cross College. Smith is also the team's second-leading scorer.
The confidence in the team comes from years of playing together.
"Our team is really tight this year," Hearn said. "I think the camaraderie that we all feel for each other spurs us to play our hardest and helps us work together to make wins a team effort. We know how to play off our strengths together which helps a lot."
The players do realize, however, that each individual needs to be on top of her game in order for the team to experience optimal success.
"We all need to play our best," Hearn said. "Every one is an offensive threat on our field and every one of our players works hard to play defensively. Offensively, we need to be sure to take advantage of any opportunities to score. Defensively, we just need to be sure we play disciplined, by not giving up fouls in the circle and staying marked."
The Hawks' goal is to stick to their game plan and dictate the pace of the game. As Head Coach Julie Mazer is frequently heard saying, they need to stay undeterred and unphased by the opposition's strategy. The players need to play within themselves and to their strengths and abilities.
"Last year, we went into overtime against American, so there is definitely competition there," Hearn said. "We know it's going to be a close game, and, if we play our best, it's totally possible that we can win."
The game is Sunday at 2 p.m. at the William I Jacobs Recreational Complex in Washington, D.C.
