“Field hockey is not a game you get to see everyday,” said Nicole DeLuca, a junior on the Seton Hill University (SHU) field hockey team.
SHU field hockey faced off against West Chester University in the Griffin’s last PSAC game of the season, Saturday, Oct. 31. Unfortunately, the Griffins were not victorious, falling short 1-4, with their lone goal scored by junior forward Dominique Cappello.
The Griffins end the season with a record of (1-15) overall, and (1-9) in the PSAC.
Although they lost the majority of their games this season, the SHU field hockey team won relationships and skills that can’t be reflected in standings. Their determination and strength reinforced SHU’s motto: “Hazard Yet Forward.”
“These kids come and work every everyday, and I’m proud of that,” said Whitney Harness, SHU field hockey head coach.
“Our record doesn’t show where we’ve come as a team,” said DeLuca. “We’ve made great accomplishments since the beginning of the season, great strides like holding teams to 0-0 into overtime.”
The SHU field hockey team held Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) to overtime both times they played. Despite their effort, IUP won both games, but only by one goal.
Games against Millersville University and Slippery Rock University were also close with SHU losing by one goal. Others match-ups have not been as close.
Instead of focusing on their losing record, the girls chose to look at how close they’ve become as a team. For the team, winning isn’t why they play.
“It’s not just the playing, it’s the people you meet,” said DeLuca. “The memories you make, you’re gonna keep them forever.”
“I honestly look at it like having a family,” said Brittany Davis, senior and captain of the SHU field hockey team.
The field hockey team got their first win of the season against Mansfield, winning by a final of 3-1 on Oct. 21. The Griffins started and ended strong with goals by senior forward, Brittany Davis, freshman midfielder, Kelci McCoy and sophomore defenseman, Ashley Curnow.
After the game was over, spectators cheered and players hugged as even the football team ran onto the field to celebrate with them.
Now, with a win on their record, the team went into their homecoming game more determined than ever to get another “W”.
Homecoming weekend, the SHU field hockey team took on Shippensburg University (Ship) – ranked 3rd in the PSAC – at Dick’s Sporting Good’s field, Oct. 24 at noon. Unfortunately, the Griffins were unsuccessful getting the win, falling short 1-3, despite being the first team to score.
Despite what their record might say, The Lady Griffins finished the season with heart. Only graduating two seniors, and with such young talent rising for them, it will be interesting to see how the team progresses in the near future.
“The future of the program looks bright and sunny and we have a good group of juniors who are going to put the team on their shoulders. The work ethic is going to change for the spring and the off season with conditioning and lifting. We’re gonna bring in a bug class of freshmen so it should be a good year for us next year,” said head coach Whitney Harness.