Normally, when we have a game on Saturday, I try to write the post about it, on Sunday. But, I only got home at about 10pm, Saturday night, and yesterday, I just did not have the energy to get it done. Even sitting here, now, I am finding it difficult.

Before I get to our trip to Buffalo and Saturday’s game, I need to mention Wednesday’s Home Game, against St. Thomas Aquinas (STAC). This was our Senior Day. As it has been in each of my four seasons, the field and its pavilion, were nicely decorated by the non-seniors, who honored their teammates’ contributions to the team. There was a short pre-game ceremony, and as always, it is kind of bittersweet, as it marks the fast approaching end of their playing careers.

The game itself, was really more of an exercise for the Lady Lions, as we were far superior to STAC, and cruised to an easy 21 – 4 win. Eight different players scored goals and every available player, played, a “feel good” game for sure! The post game tailgate party, was excellent, as usual.

Even prior to the game against STAC, we had been turning our attention to Saturday, and our huge game in Buffalo against the D’Youville Saints. We had a short practice on Thursday, due to a field scheduling conflict (certainly not ideal). I thought we looked pretty sharp in our 6am practice on Friday, before we filed onto the bus for the eight hour journey to Buffalo.

The only slow down we encountered, was on the Cross Bronx Expressway approaching the George Washington Bridge, of course there is no surprise in that! The rest of the trip was uneventful. I passed the time reading and listening to a podcast. I think most of the players occupied themselves with school work.

After arriving at our hotel, I was able to meet up with my friend, Ed Greenway, one of the Mercyhurst Dads (from Diana’s college playing days). This was the third year in a row, that we have been able to connect. This time, Ed took me to a Williamsville landmark, The Glen Park Tavern. The place was packed, and I was reminded once again, that Ed, is a very well known and respected, teacher (retired now) and coach, as a number of people approached him to say hi. He suggested the “Beef on Weck”, (roast beef on a Kummelweck Roll) a Buffalo delicacy. The food and our visit, were both great!

I got a good night’s sleep, and was up early enough to get a quick workout in, Saturday morning. With an 11am start time, we left for D’Youville shortly after breakfast.

I was nervous just before game time, with our playoff hopes hanging in the balance, I felt like we would have to play our best game yet, if we were to prevail. It started pretty well, for us, as we won the opening draw and netted the first goal, less than one minute in. The Lady Lions took a 3 – 2 lead into the second quarter and made it 4 – 2 in less than a minute. After the teams traded goals, Molloy led 5 – 3, early in the second quarter. It was at this point, that the Home Team, seized control of the game, scoring the next five goals, over the next ten minutes. I felt a little better when we closed to 8 – 6, just before halftime.

In the third quarter, the Saints stretched their lead to 11 – 7, before the Lions scored three unanswered goals to make it 11 – 10, with 11:25 remaining in the contest. In all to familiar fashion, the Lions were unable to sustain the momentum. Instead, it was D’Youville who surged and regained control by scoring the final three goals, for a 14 – 10 decision, that will likely land them in the ECC Playoffs, and knock us out! Aside from the obvious frustration with the result, those final minutes of the game, were especially difficult to take, because we certainly had opportunities to alter the outcome. But, like so many other games, this season, we just couldn’t make those plays down the stretch.

The bus ride home felt like forever. I tried unsuccessfully, not to dwell on the game. I kept analyzing pretty much everything, but really came up with no answers. We still have two games left to play, but with no playoffs on the horizon, it feels kind of empty. We play nationally ranked Pace at home on Wednesday. I am hopeful, that we can show up and play like we have nothing to lose. Even though we won’t be playing in May, we can still make something good of what is left of our season.

Go Lions!