Lady Cavs host Japan team International team challenges Women’s lacrosse off season

NINA SCIMENES SPORTSEDITOR

NMS722@CABRINI EDU

For the first time in Cavalier history, Cabrini welcomed an international women’s lacrosse team from Japan. Gakushin University’s team traveled around the world with one mission, to play lacrosse. Sunday, Sept. 19 Cabrini’s field was full of yelling cheers during the exhilarating game.

Japanese Lacrosse Association was behind the planning of this international sporting event. Jackie Neary, Cabrini’s head coach, received an e-mail with a weeks notice asking to host the Gakushin’s team. Cabrini accepted this opportunity to play during its off-season for the experience. Delaware Valley, and LaSale also had the experience of playing against Gakushin’s team during their visit to the United States.

The bleachers were full of Cabrini fans cheering on the team to a 16-8 victory that was won in a three period game. All of the Lady Cav’s goals were scored in the second and third half. After the first period the score was 3-0 with Gakushin taking the lead.

At the end of the second period the score was a close 7-6 with Cabrini falling behind by one. Quick offense and a strong defense on Cabrini’s side are responsible for the next ten goals to be scored.

Gakushin’s line up changed dramatically along with the score in the remaining last period of the game. Gakushin’s goalie was switched and had a difficult time keeping the ball out of the net. Although the ball was not kept predominantly on one side of the field, the Cavaliers made quick strides to the goal when it counted.

Extending the game an extra thirty minutes gave the guest team an opportunity to sub in all 46 of their players. Also playing on the field was Tomoko Sakuma, Gakushin’s head coach. Sakuma also played for the International Women’s Lacrosse Team, and jumps at any opportunity to compete. Fall is the main season for lacrosse in Japan and competing in the United States has given its team a lot of opportunities to improve during its season.

Last spring, winning the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference championship was the last time any of the Lady Cavs had played together. This off season game against Gakushuin could act as a preview for what’s to come for the new lineup this spring.

To conclude the game, all players displayed sportsmanship by lining up, and congratulating each other on the game. Members from Cabrini, and Gakushin lined up to shake hands and exchange parting gifts as a sign of respect. The language barrier did not keep either team from expressing their enthusiasm for the game.

Thursday, Sep. 23

•Involvement Fair, 2-5 p.m., Grace Hall Atrium

•Women’s Tennis vs. Villa Julie College, 4 p.m.

•SGAmeeting, 3:10 p.m., location TBA

Friday, Sept. 24

•Field Hockey vs. Immaculata University, 4 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 25

•YOM KIPPUR

•Outreach Saturday

•Cross Country at Philadelphia Metropolitan at Belmont Plateau

•Men’s Soccer at College Misericordia, 3 p.m.

•Women’s Soccer at Gwynedd Mercy College, 1 p.m.

• Women’s tennis vs. University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, noon

•Volleyball at College Misericordia, 1 p.m..

Sunday, Sept. 26

•Teresa Walters, Pianist, 3 p.m., Mansion

•Bus Tour of ItalianAmerican Heritage in Philadelphia’s Historic Northwest Neighborhoods

Monday, Sept. 27

•Women’s Tennis at Rosemont College, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 28

• Field Hockey at College of New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.

• Women’s Soccer at York College, 4 p.m.

•Volleyball at Marywood University, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 29

• Men’s Soccer at Wesley College, 4 p.m.

• Project Vote Smart, 4 p.m. Grace Hall Atrium

Formore times and other information call the Student Activities Office at X8410