As the euphoria, of winning the ECC Championship against Mercy, slowly began to fade, the Molloy Lady Lions turned their attention to their next opponent, the Dominican Chargers, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. We took an extra recovery day and only watched film, on Monday, before getting back on the practice field, Tuesday and Wednesday. Both days were lackluster. As a whole, we appeared tired and beat up. Heading into Thursday, I was worried that we would not be able to summon the energy, to compete against, our very worthy opponent. I hoped that the excitement of being in the Big Tournament, would provide the necessary fuel.

As we took the field to warm up, you could sense the excitement. I think we all felt great pride, in being out there. We had come a very long way, this season, and accomplished a great deal. Despite the palpable excitement, I was worried that we would not have the requisite energy to challenge the 18 – 1 Chargers.

Unfortunately, it turned out that I was right to be worried. Dominican charged out of the gate scoring three goals in less than three minutes. And that was just the beginning. They led 9 – 0 before we scored our first goal with 1:33 remaining in the FIRST Quarter! While we were lacking in all Four E’s (Effort, Energy, Enthusiasm and Execution), the Chargers were flying past us all over the field. By halftime, it was 14 – 1. I am not even sure what the score was, but sometime into the third quarter, the game was delayed due to lightning, in the area.

It was about an hour, before we returned to the field. I don’t know if it was the cooler temperatures, brought on by the storm, or the time spent in the locker room. Whatever it was, the Lions played much better after the delay. We finally, began to resemble the squad that had won nine consecutive games, on their way to the Conference Championship. We outscored the Chargers 5 – 2 in the final quarter, making the final score, 19 – 7. As the game ended, I know I was not alone, in wondering, what would this game have been like, if we had been able to play the whole game the way we played after the delay.

Post Game, there were lots of tears. Tears of sadness, and tears of friendship and camaraderie. Coaches cannot help but analyze such things, and yesterday was no different. I think it was Coach Pepe, who said, that we had experienced something of a “Hangover” from winning the Conference Championship. I think that accurately describes it. Winning the ECC Championship, had always been the primary goal, and once it was achieved, we were kind of done.

So now, the 2025 Season is a collection of memories. And what a collection it is! Beginning the season with so many disappointing losses, in very close games. Finally, getting some traction and going on an unlikely run, of nine straight victories! Beating Mercy, for the second time in three games! Beating Roberts Wesleyan, for the first time in seven years, and in so doing, winning a semi final game for the first time! Beating Mercy AGAIN, at Mercy, to win the program’s first East Coast Conference Championship! This year’s version of the Molloy Lady Lions took the program to new heights, and have so much to be proud of. I know, I am very proud of them, and extremely grateful to have been part of the journey!

GO LIONS!