#12 (11/12)
As I did at the start of the season, I again have mixed feelings knowing that my four years as a Hofstra Field Hockey player have come to an end. I am proud to have captained the team in my final year and I am also happy that my last season has been such an enjoyable one, with so many good times on and off the field. Hofstra Field Hockey has been such an important, memorable and enjoyable experience that I will miss it tremendously. I am going to also miss every single one of my teammates and coaches and I want to thank them all for making my final season an unforgettable one.

Looking back on the season, there are so many things that we should be proud of. Our attitude throughout the season has to be commended because it translated to our results. The mood of the team was always upbeat and never once did I doubt everyone's togetherness and drive towards what we set out to achieve. Having everyone on the same page was especially important since we had 11 new players to integrate into our setup. Our main goal at the start was to make it to the CAA's and we were able to achieve that. Unfortunately we lost in the semifinals, but the team did a fantastic job throughout the season and as I said before - we should be very proud. I want to congratulate Micaela, Amy and Genna for receiving their postseason CAA awards. While we all performed and obviously contributed to our great season, I am happy for them that they were recognized for their performances and crucial goals that propelled us along.

After our CAA loss, Coach De Angelis brought us in one last time and reminded us that we had nothing to be disappointed in; rather we had so much to be proud of, no matter how badly it hurt to lose. Though we did our best, they were the better team on the day and worthy winners. She stressed that we should learn from the loss and use the game to build and improve the team for the spring and the next fall season. At that point it really sunk in that I was done...and I realized just how much I'm going to miss it. I look forward to being a spectator and supporter of the team from now on however. I am excited to see their results next season and knowing everyones potential, I know only great things lie in their future.

#9
Kristin Thompson

#11 (11/2)
This past weekend was the last for CAA play and our games were against the second-place CAA team Delaware and the last place team Towson. The results of both games determined our final CAA standing and if we were going to qualify for the CAA Championship or not.

We went into the game vs. Delaware coming on a 6-game winning streak. We were high in confidence, but we knew they were as well so the win was not going to be easy. By halftime we were down by 2, but we knew our capabilities and never doubted ourselves. Unfortunately, despite our efforts we were not victorious and that left us in the position of absolutely needing a win against Towson if we were to get to the CAA Tournament.

The Towson game was a classic example of who wanted the win more. They had not won any of their CAA games (they were 0-7) and they had nothing to lose. On the other hand we were in danger of ending our season right there at Stevenson Field and not qualifiying for the CAA Championship. We were anxious and ready to get the game started and get the win. They scored first and actually held the lead twice but we were not fazed because we knew going into the game that to win, only complete determination and our best effort was required. Once we got the go ahead goal, we had the confidence to control the game and maintain the lead until the end. We were all overjoyed because we knew we just put ourselves in an excellent position for the 4th and last CAA spot. Our fate however was out of our hands at that point because we still needed the result of one more game to know whether or not we were really in.

As we traveled back to school on Sunday we knew that we did everything that we could have done on our end so we just had to wait and hope. I felt so much relief and excitement when I knew that we were definitely in. Getting to the CAA's was even tougher this year as only 4 teams qualify and being one of the 4 ahead of the quality in our conference made it so much more satisfying.

Looking back, I could only imagine how cruel it would have been for the team, and especially myself and Ashleigh, if we had played our last game without even knowing it. Every season that I've played I have had the privilege of going to the CAA Championship and as captain I am proud that this season is no different. To get to the CAA's was our main goal at the start of the season and we are all ecstatic to have made it so that the 2009 season is not over yet. I cannot wait for the 1 or possibly 2 more games that we have left to contribute to what has been a truly memorable season.

#9
Kristin Thompson

#10 (10/13)
I tried thinking of one word that would truly describe the weekend we just had - however, one word would not do our weekend justice. Instead to sum up, our weekend was about teamwork, determination, fight, belief, defense, offense, togetherness, excitement and really enjoying ourselves on and off the field. We started off on Friday with victory at William and Mary under the lights and followed it up with a massive victory vs. ODU on Sunday.

There is always a certain buzz and ambience that accompanies night games, so on Friday night we were all eager to go out and play. We were up 2 by the half, but we ended up going into overtime again. Our overtime record is really strong this season so though we were nervous as usual, we had the confidence that once we stuck to our plan, we would get the victory. The game-winning goal came via a great cross from Amy-Lee to Ashleigh - so next up was ODU.  

Playing ODU is always a challenge because of how strong they are all over the field. They are consistently one of the best teams in the CAA, so we also had to be at our strongest. The score was 1-1 early but by halftime we were down, 4-1. Though we were up against it, deep down we believed victory was not impossible. Going into the 2nd half, no matter what the eventual score we had to keep playing and just do our best. They scored one last time so at one point we were behind, 5-1. We never hung our heads though and once we started scoring we knew we had more than enough time to get all the goals needed. I cannot even describe the feeling of seeing the score go from 1-5 to 5-5, and with 5 minutes to go freshman Micaela Gallagher scored her first collegiate goal which turned out to be the game winner! As time wound down, the key was composure, but inside we were all waiting to burst...

Being on the field as the final whistle sounded - we just beat ODU for the first time in my 4 years - and having the entire team run and jump onto eachother in utter ectasy will forever be one of my favorite and most prominent memories here at Hofstra. As a senior and captain it was even better to have experienced it at this point.

As a group I think we have really figured out who we are as a hockey team - we know that in each game we have to go out there and just do our best and the result will take care of itself. Every single player is unified towards the same goal and that is vital to our success for the end of the season. What was especially great about the weekend was that we had total committment and contribution from every player in both victories. As Katelyn Lewia reminded us before the game we are The Pride - divided we fall but together we feast - that's what we did, but we're not done yet...we need to keep our momentum and if we keep this up, we will be successful in both the non-conference and conference games left. Also more importantly, we will make it to the CAA championship.

#9
Kristin Thompson

#9 (10/9)

This coming weekend has been a weekend that has been anticipated and talked about for a couple months now. We kick the weekend off playing William and Mary on Friday night. Our first night game this season! It will be a game I've personally been waiting for since CAAs last year. A night for revenge. For a little bit of background, it was an intense game full of frustration, excitement, glory, anger, tears, and passion. Goals were scored. Goals were taken back. We lost. It was a game, I truly feel we should have won. I cannot wait to step onto the field on Friday night and play!

After the game, we will drive to Norfolk, Virginia. On Sunday afternoon, we will be playing the Lady Monarchs of Old Dominion University, who are ranked 16th in the country. ODU is coached by the legendary Beth Anders and I remember being intimidated by her as a freshman. Her team has always been a hard working, fast and skilled group. We haven't won a game against ODU since my red-shirt freshman year. Now in my fifth season at Hofstra, and no longer intimidated, I'm ready to come awaqy from this game with a long overdue victory.

This weekend is a very exciting weekend for us. After a good win against Virginia Commonwealth, we head down south with confidence after a long hard week of practice.

#7
Ashleigh Daniels

 

#8 (10/6)

Two things can be taken from this past weekend of back-to-back CAA games: 1) We have a better understanding of just how challenging our conference is, and 2) We are definitely up to the challenge and are better prepared for the rest of games!

On Friday afternoon we played the 15th ranked Dukes of James Madison University. We are always excited to play JMU because of their history and the strength of their team. Going into the game our confidence was high, and team spirit and belief was at its maximum. We all understood the importance of the game - of every single CAA game - and we played to suit. We came out firing and were first on the scoreboard. They managed to equalize later on but the game was even and well played all over the field. Unfortunately we lost our focus coming down to the end and conceded quickly after a timeout. They were able to ride that momentum for the last 10 minutes of the game and scored three more times. That loss was really tough for us, as Coach De Angelis reminded us after. It was one of the best games we played all season, so to lose it so quickly at the end was especially hard. Though we were all understandbly bummed after the loss, we knew there was no time to dwell or sulk - we had a game to win on Sunday.

For Sunday's game victory was vital. We were again able to score first and were up, 2-0, soon after. VCU managed to score three goals, but we dug deep because a loss was simply unnacceptable. Genna Kovar tied the game up for us and then Amy-Lee Levey's second goal of the game, in overtime, gave us the win. We were all excited and a bit relieved because it means that we're still in a good position to make it to the CAA Championship.  

For the entire week Coach Cornell gave us motivational quotes that I believe really helped us. One that stoodout for me was, "failure is feedback for success" and I think we really need to apply that in our current situation. We know that we can compete with all our opponents, but what we learned the hard way is that we need to keep our focus for the entire 70 minutes or more if needed. In CAA play there is never the comfort of a let up of pressure from the other teams. Each game is a fight and we need to be focused and play Hofstra's game for the entire time. I believe our mistakes will provide feedback for us to learn and improve and help us in the future. For our next two big games, the mindset that we have to employ is "no let up" and "fight till the very end... for every inch!" because only then will we achieve our goals.

#9
Kristin Thompson

#7 (9/21)

This past weekend was full of good times and more importantly good hockey. We travelled to Easton, Pennsylvania, to play the University of the Pacific for our first "real"away trip of the season. Saturday, after practice at the field, we headed over to Krisha Giammarco's house for dinner. I want to again thank the Giammarco's for extending their home and for the great food! It's always great to have everyone together apart from field hockey, just bonding and having a good time. After dinner we headed to the hotel and the freshmen got their first taste of life on the road - eat, hockey, sleep and study hall!

Game day was early Sunday morning and seeing as it was our last game before we open conference play we were all very aware of its importance. We played the game with lots of energy and all out attack. We scored early and we never let up, eventually emerging 5-1 winners. Coach was really proud of our enthusiam all over the field and our ability to not only generate lots of attack but to put the ball in the net.

We left Pennsylvania in good spirits and with lots of confidence from our big victory. This was vital for us to take back home, looking forward to another back-to-back weekend which includes our first CAA game! Starting conference play is always so exciting, especially because of how strong our conference is. I feel like we have been waiting and preparing for the first CAA game since we checked into preseason back in August. We have to come out firing on all cylinders starting with Tuesday's practice because the path to the CAA Championships starts now and come November, Hofstra Field Hockey wants to be on it.

#9
Kristin Thompson

#6 (9/15)

As our current record of 3-3 shows, we have experienced both the thrills of winning as well as the disappointments that come along with a loss. We had our first away game at Fairfield on Saturday and I must say that the excitement that comes with playing on the road never gets old. As we arrived at their field, there was a definite added buzz around the team because we were all anxious to play under different conditions.

Versus Fairfield I think we displayed not only attacking strength but also good ball movement in getting three quick goals. We lost a bit of steam coming down to the end of the game, but we certainly came together to work hard and ensure we left Connecticut with a win.

Rider proved to be a different challenge because their physical game was one that we had not previously faced this season. I admit we took longer than we would have liked to adjust to the aggressive style and we found ourselves a goal down via an unfortunate penalty corner deflection. Despite this we were able to maintain our style of play which enabled us to create some good scoring chances. Unfortunately  we weren't able to score but a positive aspect the game was that our next opponent, Qunnipiac, has a very similar playing style to Rider. I think we are better prepared to get the win on Wednesday once we start the game on top and dominate with our style of hockey.

Through every game I believe that we are becoming a much stronger and confident unit. The good thing about this team is that we are all eager to improve and to win; with our mix of youth and experience we find ourselves constantly learning and growing after each game, win or lose.  

#9
Kristin Thompson

#5 (9/10)

This weekend, as every weekend, gives me butterflies in my stomach. I get nervous and excited before every game, no matter who we play. I will speak for the team in saying we are sick of losing and we will do everything to ensure we come home from Fairfield with our first away victory and on Sunday walk off our turf with another win as well. As we gather in a team huddle on Saturday and Sunday, Coach De Angelis will say something along the lines of, "Sticks up high, come in close... win on three. One. Two. Three..... WIN! Let's Go HU!"

#7
Ashleigh Daniels

#4 (9/8)
Tough competition with even tougher losses basically sums up our second weekend of play. We knew going into both games that while victory was not going to be easy, it certainly was not impossible. At the final whistle of both games we knew just how possible a win was against both Albany and Richmond if we had only converted more scoring opportunities.

These losses were not a matter of personnel or talent as all of us keep improving and showing our class on the field. I want to congratulate Krizia Layne on scoring her first collegiate goal and now that she is off the mark I'm excited for the rest of her goals that I am sure will soon follow.

With respect to our actual gameplay, I want to commend our defense. Despite the score of both games they have been working really well in the backfield and save us on many crucial occassions. As we also did in the first two games, we kept fighting and trying despite going behind, and this is always a great attitude to have. Unfortunately for us this past weekend, desire didn't translate into us getting the goals. But I know we are capable and we will find our scoring touch.

These games showed us that we can compete with and, more importantly, challenge tougher, higher ranked teams. This is vital because the opposition we face in virtually every single one of our conference games are either just as strong as our last two opponents or stronger.

Coach De Angelis is really stressing that we improve the strength of our play all over the field to truly make the impact that we are capable of. Statisically we more than show that we're doing something right because we have been outshooting our opponents and creating many opportunities through penalty corners and open play. However, we need to be more efficient and put all the chances we create away because as we all know, the game isn't won on paper.

#9
Kristin Thompson

 

#3 (9/4)
With two wins under our belt, we are quite excited entering our upcoming weekend against the Albany Great Danes and the Richmond Spiders. Both teams are going to be extremely tough teams to beat, but we are confident we can come out with two more wins. This week of practice has both been trying.  We spent a lot of time preparing both our defensive corners and attack corners, along with working on our press, both defensive and offensive.  It was a short week of practice, but full of hard work and constant motivation from our three coaches. I truly believe in my team and that we can and will win both of these games. As my fellow captain and senior, Kristin Thompson, mentioned that this past weekend allowed us to see our strengths and weaknesses, we will continue to use our strengths of speed and skill in these next two game. Hopefully our hard work in practice this week will result in improvements in our areas of weakness.  
 
The two teams we are about to face have been difficult losses for us in the past.  Last season we played at Albany in the third game of the season and after two wins to open the season, we lost, 6-2. I admit the score is a bit embarrassing, but I don't necessarily think the score reflected the game we played.  But a loss is a loss, as a win is a win.  

We played Richmond in our season-opening game two seasons ago. I will never forget that day - first because I scored my first collegiate goal, but also because the Richmond weather was hot and their team was fast and strong. They were quite comfortable in the heat. We lost that game, 3-2, but this year we are going to do everything we can to beat the Spiders. They are coming to our turf this time, so with home field advantage and support, we think we will come out on top!
   
These two teams might be two of the toughest teams we play all season, but I am very confident in my team that we can win. As Coach De Angelis always tells us, "It's not the better team that always wins, but the team that wants it the most that will win." I believe that your Hofstra Pride wants this more than the Great Danes and Spiders, and that these two games will be competitive matches for our spectators and that we will show that the Hofstra Field Hockey program has heart, dedication, drive and passion for this sport. Wish us luck and come support our team as we will fight for 70 minutes to earn the victory!

#7
Ashleigh Daniels

#2 (9/1)

This past weekend we opened the 2009 season with the Hofstra Pride Invitational (versus Maine and Bryant). I am happy to say that we won the trophy and therefore are 2-0 on the young season!  

For the first games of the season, excitement and nerves were at a maximum especially among the freshmen who were all eager to start playing. In our pregame meeting, Coach De Angelis stressed that apart from all the technicalities, etc... we should really go out there and have fun.

To be honest however, going into overtime as we did against Maine was more nerve-wracking than fun as we were all aware that the game could go against us at any moment. I have to commend my teammates for staying in the game and working for the sudden victory goal. When Ashleigh Daniels scored the winning goal at the end of the 1st overtime period our bench erupted onto the field in joy and relief. We all had a laugh about everyone's funny/joyous reactions to the goal but we knew that it was too close for comfort, and improvement is needed. The following game of the invitational we played Bryant and we found ourselves down 2-0, so again we had to battle, dig deep and find a way to score. Darrah Rachman came off the bench and scored two great goals and her goals really gave us the extra push and drive to go on and get the game-winner.

I think these games were extremely important for us because they showed where we stood after preseason, and revealed both our weaknesses and strengths. I'm proud of the team in all aspects and special mention has to be made of the freshmen that either started or came in as reserves, as they made huge impacts. This week in practice we know that we have to work hard and be even more focused because in the next two games we face two of the toughest oppenents - Albany and Richmond - that we will play all season. Against both of these talented teams complacency and mistakes will be punished and in order to maintain our good start, we need to be at our best!

#9
Kristin Thompson

#1 (8/27)

It's with mixed feelings that I write this...looking back on my final preseason. On one hand, as my teammates constantly remind me, there are no more two-a-days, 300's or testing, ever! But on the other hand I almost still can't believe that this is the last time I'm ever going to report to a Hofstra Field Hockey preseason camp.

In the past two weeks I've gotten to know my new teammates - forging fresh memories with them as well as rehashing the old jokes with the returnees. A couple of recent graduates keep stressing to me that I should truly enjoy and treasure every memory - good, bad or indifferent - as it's going to go by so quickly.

In all I think we had a great preseason, both on and off the field. With such a big freshman class it was really important that we gelled as a group, which we did and that has made it so much easier for everyone on the field. Training was hard, but productive so I think we have put ourselves in a good position to start the season. The freshmen have been very focused and impressive, and they have integrated almost seamlessly into our setup.

Big news to announce also as we recently voted for team captains and I am very proud to have been selected as captain along with my fellow senior Ashleigh Daniels and junior Amy-Lee Levey.

So we have our first game this Saturday (versus Maine at 1 p.m.) and the entire team is nervous but excited to kick off the 2009 season. Seeing as it's my last, I'm sad but ready to make my final season one to remember.

Let's go Pride!

#9
Kristin Thompson