@nicdestef[/author_info] [/author]
EWING— Senior keeper Jessica Weeder stood in front of the goal with her lucky tan hair tie on her right wrist. According to Weeder, wearing her hair tie at every game has become a superstitious habit. If the hair tie stretches out or breaks, she replaces it with a new one. However, she didn’t need much luck on this Saturday afternoon.
In the first New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) game for both teams, Weeder and the Lions beat the previously 6-1 Rutgers Newark Scarlet Knights 5-0.
From the outset, the Lions not only showed off their offensive talent, but defensive as well—taking 18 shots on Rutgers Newark’s goal, while only allowing two on Weeder.
“I think we were very unified,” said Weeder. “I think we communicated well and we just basically outworked them. So I think our effort was there, and our hustle was there. We did what we had to do.”
The Lions asserted their dominance right away by controlling the ball well, maintaining possession, and utilizing the width of the field. The first goal came from a cross by sophomore Elizabeth Thoresen. Junior Marissa Scognamiglio received the ball and scored with a header. The second goal was also scored in the first half by Junior Marykate Sullivan. Sullivan received a cross from Junior Lauren Malajian.
At half time, a confident and unified TCNJ Lions team walked off the turf—happy with their success in the first forty-five minutes. The Lions had 11 shots and two goals. Although Rutgers Newark had zero shots on goal, Weeder still played a vital role in the first half.
“Well since I can see everything, I have to organize my defense, I have to organize the midfield,” said Weeder. “Since I can see everything, I move players around, move the pieces around and make sure that we are all set, and everything is good.”
The Lions returned to the second half even more sharp than the first. The Lions added on three more goals in the remaining 45 minutes. Junior Sarah Marion scored two, while sophomore Elizabeth Thoresen scored the other.
Weeder made a pair of saves to record her fifth straight shutout of the season.
“Honestly, I don’t really get that stressed [when the opponent is approaching the goal] because I know my defense in front of me is very good and I trust them,” said Weeder. “And I’ve just been doing this for so many years that I’ve learned to relax myself in stressful situations. I don’t really get stressed, I’m just excited to play.”
“I think we just have to keep up what we’re doing, passing through the midfield,” added Weeder. Doing all the things that we’ve been practicing, and definitely finishing goals”
The Lions have a non-conference game this Tuesday, September 22nd at 7p.m. The team will head to Madison to face Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham.