By Jerome Bailey, Staff Writer
The Hofstra Pride field hockey team had a chance to finish its season on a positive note after elimination from playoff contention last weekend and a season filled with injuries and road woes.
The Pride took full advantage of its opportunity and finished the season with a 3-2 victory over Colonial Athletic Association foe Towson University on Sunday after losing two days earlier to Delaware 3-2. The win snaps the Pride's four game losing streak and was its seventh win at home. The team finished 7-11 overall and 2-6 in the CAA.
"This game was very important to win because we needed to end the season on a good note," Hofstra head coach Kathy De Angelis said. "We have been through lots of adversity this season, so the win was good closure on the season."
In the second half against Towson, the Pride scored two quick goals to make a 1-1 tie into a 3-1 lead. With 10 minutes left in the game, Towson sophomore Megan Penza scored to cut the deficit to 3-2. Pride junior goalie Amanda Heyde stopped Towson there and finished the game with six saves.
"Our goal-keeping was better today," De Angelis said. "Heyde has stepped up and challenged herself to be our starting keeper. She had a fantastic weekend and has been very consistent for us this year. She competes against three other goalies for the starting spot and she has been great for us this year."
Freshman Shannon McCardell scored in the first half for the Pride. The goal was her first of the season. The other scorers were sophomore Micaela Gallagher and junior Arielle Williams. The goal for Gallagher was her fourth of the season and her third in the last two games. For Williams the goal was her team-leading thirteenth of the season. Williams also recorded an assist.
"Arielle has made progress game after game this season and became more and more confident," De Angelis said. "She continued to challenge herself. She had a remarkable season, certainly her best season so far. We are so lucky to have her back next season."
The Pride will be losing three seniors: forwards Nancy Wagenbrenner, Becky Kazaks, and Diane Caldwell. The team is eagerly anticipating the return of Amy-Lee Levy in 2011. In 2009, Levy was named to the All-CAA Tournament team and started all 20 games for the Pride. She also was second on the team in goals with 8 and points with 18. Levy sat out 2010 with an injury.
"Levy coming back is huge for us and going to make a big difference," De Angelis said. "Losing her was like losing Charles Jenkins. She is that important to our team."
In 2011 the Pride will return 20 players, seven of which were starters, including junior Genna Kovar and sophomore Krizia Lane.
"Next season we are going to be stronger and better," De Angelis said. "We had a young team who learned a lot of things this season and next year they will be better both mentally and physically."