LadyCavsbouncebacktobeatSwarthmore

by Brian O'Connell

staff writer

Despite a poor showing in the first half, the women's soccer team rebounded with a strong second half to defeat Swarthmore by the score of 2-1.

The first half featured close goals by both teams. The Lady Cavs took a commanding 1-0 lead midway through the first half on a goal scored by Jamie Matozzo.

Swarthmore answered back a few minutes later to tie the score at 1-1.

The site of the game was at Cabrini's soccer field under hot and humid weather conditions.

The margin of shots on goal was very close with Cabrini holding an 8-7 advantage at half-time.

The team appeared fatigued after a poor first half.

"We didn't play well in the first half." Coach Diane Pierangeli said. "There was not enough communication and the players were not very aggressive. I reminded the players of our 2-1 overtime loss to Holy Family and told them we played the first half of this game the same way we played Holy Family."

The second half featured a new-looking Cabrini soccer team. The Lady Cavs hustled after loose balls and played very aggressively. The Lady Cavs took a 2-1 lead on Susan Sipes' goal as a result of a corner kick.

The future looks bright for the Lady Cavs, despite lacking significant depth,

Coach Pierangeli believes this is a very skilled team, but needs to oomore aggressive at the same time.

Juniors Michelle Gabriel, the captain of the team, and Erin Barney agree.

Junior Erin Barney cradles the ball in the Lady Cavaliers' 2-1 victory over Swarthmore College this past Saturday. The Lady Cavaliers are now 2-4-1 overall and 1-0 in the PAC.

Sophomore goalie Kate Hecht played a significant role, ensuring a win for Cabrini. During the second half, she made some key saves to counter the Swarthmore attack. Cabrini did not allow Swarthmore any closer for the rest of the game. After the game, coach Pierangeli congratulated the players on a strong second half.

"We have a young team, but the rest of the season looks good," Gabriel said, "Despite not having any seniors, we hope to finish very strong,"

"We are young and have lot of [first-year students]," Barney said, "But with the talent level of the team, we should have a killer season."