Lady Cavs battle tie in PAC action

NICK PITTS STAFF WRITER

NDP722@CABRINI EDU

The women’s soccer team battled Alvernia College to a 3-3 tie in Pennsylvania Athletic Conference action on Wednesday, Oct. 17. The game was the Cavalier’s last on the home field for the season and the last home game of senior Corinne Szymczak’s college career.

A tied first half lead to a thrilling second half as both teams fought until the very end of regulation and beyond. With just 1:22 remaining on the scoreboard, Cabrini held a 3-2 lead, until Alvernia senior Brandi Light unloaded a shot that tied the game and silenced the Cavalier faithful.

Of the three goals scored by Light, this goal seemed to really stun the Cav’s the most, taking away a nearly assured win and forcing overtime.

“It was a great shot,” senior English and communications major Corinne Szymczak said. “There was not a whole lot our keeper could have done.”

The tie did not seem too surprising for Cabrini’s coach.

“Teams are very similar in play and skill level,” head Coach Ken Prothero said. “We are almost the same teams.”

Alvernia reached the net early, just 25 minutes into the game. Light knocked her

Sophomore goal keeper Bryan Johnson made three saves yet gave up three goals during the game versus Eastern University. The Cavaliers were outshot by Eastern 14-4. respect the rivalry and know that Cabrini is going to battle in every game,” in regards to playing the rivalry match between the two teams. Team play was very strong and important in the first half for both teams but Eastern managed to get the upper hand allowing them to enter the second half with a 1-0 lead.

“I thought we played well in the first half but fell apart in the second half. I didn’t think we were overmatched or anything, I just thought that they came to play and we didn’t,” sophomore Jason Moran said. “I also felt kind of embarrased since there were so many fans there and we didn’t play well but overall the loss isn’t the end of the world, we knew coming into the game that we would have to play them in a week no matter what in the first round of the playoffs.”

Both teams had strong support on the bleachers. The game was almost as easily accesible for the Eastern fans as it was for Cabrini students. Another game will be played against Cabrini and Eastern University in the playoffs.

Coach Mouw commented on the rivalry “understanding of the tradition and the rivalry between the two schools gave us good preparation for the game,” noting the importance of understanding in order to win.

MIKE BIEKER STAFF WRITER MDB724@CABRINI EDU

Carolyn Roberts does not know the phrase “I can’t do it.” The senior cross country distance runner has run through a lot of obstacles with and without her team.

Roberts has two heart conditions that impair her running ability but does not stop her passion for cross country.

Roberts has vasovagal syncope and neurocardiogenic syncope which are two conditions of the heart that are not fatal and her doctor has cleared her to run. However they are very dangerous. Sometimes in races she feels light headed and even blacks out from time to time but never quits and always finishes the race.

Robert’s condition has made it difficult on her. She is unable to train with the team but she receives oneon-one training with her trainer James Williams. Williams helps Roberts out when she is having an episode brought on by her heart conditions.

Through the time they spent together they have made a very strong bond and personal connection. At times Williams jokes with Roberts about how he could see her dating a Marine because she’s so tough and overcomes obstacles that normal people would not.

own rebound via header to score her first goal in the match and put her team up 1-0.

The Cavaliers retaliated with a goal of their own as freshman midfielder Dana Nardello finished a well placed corner kick to even the score.

At halftime the score was 1-1.

Cabrini led the game for the first time with just 25 minutes remaining in regulation but it was short-lived. Sophomore forward Sabina DeGisi scored the Cav’s second goal and less than five minutes later Alvernia’s Light scored her second of the night. It was Nardello’s second goal of the game, a blast from 18 yards out, that seemed as though it would put Cabrini on top for good.

“I was never a goal scorer in high school because I was playing defense,” freshman Dana Nardello said. “It felt great to score twice and help the team out.”

After two overtime periods of ten minutes each, a winner remained undecided.

“The point helps, but not as much as two would have,” coach Ken Prothero said. “The girls played with more heart in the second and we needed to play that way all 90 in order to win this game.”

The girls remained on the field, joined by family and friends to honor their lone senior on her four years of service.

“Szymczak played almost every game all four years but never made a PAC team” Prothero said. “She was a leader on and off the field. It is incredibly sad to see her go.”

Szymczak’s feelings were mutual.

“This is really sad, I cried a bit before the game” Szymczak said. “It would have been great to get a win tonight.”

The senior distance runner is known throughout the long distance running world. She has won many awards like academic all-American twice, Philadelphia Inquirer all-star twice, PAC athlete of the week, PAC all academic and even the winner of the Philadelphia Inquirer’s runner of the year. Because of this award she had a full story written about her in the Inquirer.

Roberts identifies herself with the rest of her teammates, always striving to place the best she can. “Everyone has to push for the highest place,” Roberts said.

When she graduates she wishes to work as an intern at a hospital in Phoenixville, Pa. Because of her condition, Roberts wants to work as an intern in cardiac rehab.

“I’m gonna miss being on a team, training with James and running but I’m still going to overcome any obstacles that come my way,” Roberts said.