In the midst of a historic night, the Rowan field hockey team extended their winning streak to four games on Wednesday night with a shutout victory of 7-0 over Cabrini University.
The Profs displayed a dominant offensive performance against the Cavaliers, led by sophomore midfielder Kristina Castagnola, who contributed two goals and two assists. Castagnola scored the team’s first goal at 4:45 in the first quarter, tapping in the set-up from Vicky Harper. Her first assist came by sending a long ball to Alyssa Magliaro, who tapped it inside the circle. Castagnola scored her second goal of the night by the 37:25 mark.
“I was personally upset with myself because I have not performed to the best of my ability in the first three games,” said Castagnola.
Continuing her exceptional form, forward sophomore Krystyna Hovell added her eighth goal of the season at the 35:23 mark and an assist, along with her fellow forward companion, Magliaro, who also registered a goal by the end of the first quarter and an assist on Hovell’s goal.
Freshman midfielder Rachel Stone and forwards sophomore Bridget Guinan and senior Bridget Boyle all provided a goal.
With the win, the Profs tallied their total goals to 21 for the season, showing no indication of slowing its aggressive offense.
“We are always all in. Our speed and fitness are a large part of our game plan,” said head coach Michelle Andre.
She believes fitness plays an important role in maintaining a high-scoring
offense.
Andre also relied heavily on her midfielders to sustain the Cavalier defense
with pressure and control the overcrowded circle.
“Our plan was to get wide and get the midfielders up the field to generate an attack consistently through the whole game,” said Andre. “I knew it was going to be a crowded circle so we simulated game-like scenarios inside the circle during practice and show quick-decision making.”
As simple as the team’s game plan was, it was perfectly executed.
Andre handed the entire team an opportunity to play on the field, including all three goalkeepers. Goalies senior Morgan Novak and freshmen Aida Ingram and Abby Hainsworth collectively shared the shutout.
On the other hand, Cavalier goalkeeper Noelia Ramirez’s difficult night resulted in 16 saved shots from Rowan’s 36 total shots.
The Profs hope to maintain their winning streak against an undefeated Haverford College team on Saturday night at Richard Wacker Stadium.
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