After our game Wednesday night, we had two days of cold but sunny weather and our practices almost seemed like a reflection of that. There was good energy and focus. We also had a very good film session on Friday, where several players presented their own “scouting reports”. This proved to be an excellent exercise, and I was pleased with the effort and insights that the ladies brought to it. Going into yesterday’s (Saturday) road trip to Albany to take on the Golden Knights of The College of Saint Rose, I felt like we were well prepared.

Rainy weather yesterday did not dampen the Lady Lions’ spirits, as we began the three hour bus ride to Albany, they appeared excited. The College of Saint Rose is closing its doors after this semester. When that news became public, it devastated their women’s lacrosse team. Many players, abruptly transferred, leaving the team with only thirteen players – one substitute! Still, going into this game, I expected them to be a formidable opponent.

We arrived at their facility with plenty of time for a good warm up. There was a light but steady rain, which would continue to fall throughout the game. As has become our custom, the Lady Lions forged a quick early lead, though a much smaller one than in past games. Our biggest lead was four goals, when it was 8 – 4 at the half. We played unevenly and sloppy in the third quarter and were outscored 2-0. The gritty Golden Knights battled their way to a 9 – 9 tie with six and a half minutes remaining in the game. But, their comeback would fall short, as the Lions were able to regain their footing and score the final two goals of the game, for a hard fought 11 – 9, road win.

After the game, it felt not so much like a complete victory. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we did not play to our potential in long enough stretches. The more I thought about it on the ride back to Molloy, and once I got home and of course, even more so, this morning. I am just not sure what to make of our team, thus far. We have shown flashes of brilliance, both individually and collectively. But we have also been sloppy and seemingly unable to string positives together, a lot of the time. I am trying to take a bit of a different perspective – a more positive one. It is still early in the season and there is plenty of time for us to put things together, and we are still unbeaten. We still need to work hard at correcting things and toward playing that elusive “A Game”, but we also need to enjoy The Journey!

So, on to the next one, which is Jefferson at home, this Thursday! Another opportunity to play better.

Go Lions!