Salisbury University Field Hockey kept its winning streak alive, clutching another win over York College Oct. 5 in the team's 11th annual Corners for Cancer Game, bringing its season record to 11-0.
Fans pledged $1 per corner with 19 scored during the fundraiser game, after sports and event marketing students helped raise $463 by Oct. 4 in anticipation of the match. The game benefits SU Field Hockey’s Relay for Life team, sponsored by the American Cancer Society.
The York game marked the team's 11th straight win this season.
“It is really exciting because we did not have the greatest [season] last year," senior forward Allie Davis said.
Davis said the team has gained strength from growing chemistry which “translated to the field.”
The team is ranked third in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association’s National Rankings (NFHCA).
“The team is ecstatic, but we need to maintain the chip on our shoulder moving forward,” Davis said.
Dawn Chamberlin, head coach of 36 years, said the athletes must “bring our level of play to every game,” leaving no room for slack in matches against "strong teams."
SU Field Hockey’s ranking can be accredited in part to the team's multiple shutouts, including a 10-0 win over Randolph Macon College, 7-0 victory over Stockton University, and 5-0 scores over Washington College and McDaniel College.
Davis said this was possible because of Chamberlin’s biggest emphasis – full-field defense.
“Even the forwards who are shooting on goal need to get back and make sure the goalie is safe,” Davis said.
Davis was Coast 2 Coast player of the week twice, along with teammates Molly Reardon and Isabel Larrabee. Chamberlin accredits these awards to the team's ability to “make big plays.” Larrabee was also named to the NFHCA National Watch List.
Moving forward, Davis said the team plans to “treat every practice like a game.”
“We plan to take it one game at a time,” Chamberlin said.
The team secured another win against the University of Rochester on Monday before it faces University of Mary Washington at home Saturday.
By HAILEY DEARES
Sports Editor
Featured image courtesy of Benjamin Lausch