Vixen Field Hockey: Earn It!
By Jacqueline Dodwell ’12
Sweet Briar Field Hockey players dominate the field. Photo by Jennifer Will '13.
“Earn it” is Sweet Briar College field hockey’s motto for the 2010-2011 season. Since day one of preseason practice, the team has been working hard to make this season one of their best. With eleven returning players and five newcomers led by Coach Jess Lamina and co-captains Lindsay Eneguess ’11 and Alexandra St. Pierre ’12, the team has pushed themselves each practice and game to improve their technique and stamina.
According to St. Pierre, “The Vixen field hockey this fall is perhaps the most cohesive unit I’ve played with in my three years at Sweet Briar. Not only do we share two hours a day with one another, you can often spot the field hockey team eating dinner together in Prothro or hitting up downtown Lynchburg. Our new players bring a combination of skill and enthusiasm to the team which is felt across the field as they have filled forward, midfield and defensive positions.” Coach Lamina added, “We have added two new sophomores, Dana Craft and Elizabeth Houser, who bring a higher skill set that helps to challenge our team to be the best. Our first year class made up of Kristin Brown, Morgan Harris and Loralei Whittaker has really helped to revive our team’s attitude and dedication.”
When asked about the team’s goals for this year, Coach Jess Lamina replied, “Our motto for the year is to ‘earn it.’ Simply, this means they need to earn every ball, hit, corner, stroke and save. No one will give it to you unless you fight for it, and this year this team is truly earning their keep. We have set team and individual goals; I am sure when people come to the hockey games, they can see the positive difference in our team. We are building a strong program and the girls are working very hard.”
The Vixens take the field. Photo by Jennifer Will '13.
In all of the team’s games this season, the Vixens played with this mentality of “earning it.” Despite suffering tough losses early in the season to Drew University, Oberlin College, Wittenberg University and Limestone College, the team refused to quit and continued to fight hard during every game. This dedication helped them prevail against St. Vincent College on September 12. Down two goals after the first half, the team never gave up and came back strong in the second half. Following a goal by Alexandra St. Pierre ’12 in the 60th minute and another by Morgan Harris ’14 soon after, St. Pierre buried the team’s third goal with no time on the clock to give the Vixens their first victory. The Vixens also earned a second victory against Bryn Mawr on September 19. Their passionate play led to a win of 6-0, with goals scored by St. Pierre, Harris, Lindsay Eneguess ’11, Alicia Modzelewski ’11 and Loralei Whittaker ’14.
Currently, the field hockey team’s record stands at 2-6. Their next home game is at 1:00PM on October 10 against Randolph-Macon College. Come out to Thayer Field and support your Sweet Briar Vixens!
