We were in full playoff mode last week, with film sessions and game plan specific, practices. In contrast to last year before heading up to Roberts Wesleyan, I thought the team vibes were very positive.

The bus ride up to Rochester was possibly our smoothest travel experience of the season (though that is not saying much!). We were even able to watch a good portion of the Men’s Playoff Game, which really helped pass the time.

Game Time on Thursday, was not until 6pm! Last year, we went to the Zoo during the day, before leaving for the game. This year, the players wanted to do homework and study! So, I got a work out in and found a walking path through the woods, behind the hotel. It was probably only a mile long, but it was nice enough and a good diversion.

Soon enough, the waiting was over and we were on our way to Roberts Wesleyan. It is not far from where we were staying, but there was a major accident on the Interstate, which caused us to be somewhat delayed. Still, we arrived at RWU, with plenty of time for a proper warm up. It was a beautiful day for lacrosse, and by game time, you could feel the excitement in the air – a playoff atmosphere!

The teams traded goals in the first five or so, minutes, before RWU scored the next five goals, opening up a 6-1 lead. To make things worse, less than a minute later, one of our key players got her second yellow card, which meant she was out for the rest of the game! Just as the situation seemed desperate, the Lions responded by pulling together and netting the next three goals! The Redhawks would score the next three to open another five goal lead of 9-4, just before half time. Molloy began the second half with two much needed goals, making it 9-6. But RWU tallied four consecutive times to lead 13-6 with 3:30 left in the third quarter. We scored twice in the remainder of the third quarter and twice more to start the fourth quarter, closing to within 13-10! Unfortunately, that would be as close as we would get, as the Redhawks scored the final goal and held us scoreless after that, for a final score of 14-10.

Of course, we were all disappointed, that our season had ended. But, I was so proud of our team for how they responded, first in that, lowest of moments, and then every time RWU seemed poised to put the game away! They displayed great resilience and refused to go down quietly. I felt like, every player contributed to what actually, turned out to be a great, team effort. Our sideline was supportive and energizing. I thought a number of players had their best games, perhaps going beyond what they thought they could do.

As we walked toward the locker room, I was able to get a quick visit in, with Jon and Diana and their friends Gabby (Diana’s teammate at Mercyhurst) and Dylan, and their infant son, Trevor! This lifted my spirits, at least for a few minutes.

Reflecting on our season, it is clear, we played our best lacrosse against the best teams. Our record of wins and losses, does not reflect the quantity, of quality lacrosse, we played this season. We improved throughout the season and are significantly better now, than when the season began. Hopefully, the rally that began after that second yellow card, can be the springboard this program needs to reach greater heights in the future.

I chose not to watch the Conference final between RWU and Mercy, yesterday (The Redhawks came from behind to win in Over Time – congratulations to them). Instead, I went to Eisenhower Park to see my son cross the finish line of the Long Island Half Marathon. It was uplifting to be there and I was very proud of him. It occurred to me that, the past two weekends I have been fortunate enough to see my children competing. After all these years, it hasn’t gotten old! (not like me!)