Women's soccer looks to take league

The Norwich women's soccer team is ranked fifth in its league, working hard to hold onto its rank while trying to take the lead and finish the season in first.

The team welcomed five freshmen. According to Captain Kacey Abbriano, the freshmen are working hard both on and off the field, and really putting out during games.

"Every day at practice we're out there working hard, continuing to push ourselves," said senior Katie Sanders, 21. The team has high hopes to beat Lasell College, one of its rival schools.

Lasell is one of the few teams the Cadets have had a tough time defeating. This year the team lost to them once already, but is getting ready to step it up a notch and defeat them in the playoffs.

The team has instituted tougher practices. "We work on mostly containing the field, and transitioning through the midfield," Abbriano said.

According to sophomore Grace Fitzpatrick, 19, "Coach has really been pushing us to come out hard at the start of the game, and keep it up throughout the entire game."

Controlling the field is extremely important in soccer, which includes preventing the opposing team from running the ball down the middle, because then it has the opportunity to score a goal if the play is set up correctly.

"We're definitely trying to work harder in the games to do a better job trying to pressure the ball (and) continue to work on communication," said senior Nora Osinski, 20.

The team's starting goalie, Elizabeth Chapdelaine, was injured during practice, separating her shoulder while doing diving drills, and has been out for four weeks. Meghan Kennedy is taking her place.

Kennedy, a senior, left soccer for a year. She played her freshman and sophomore years.

"She is doing very well and stepping it up," said sophomore Elizabeth Chapdelaine, 19.

Team cohesion plays a major role in having a strong and successful team. "Chemistry wise, I think the team is better this year (compared to previous years)," said Julia Lovely, 19.

The team shares a common goal. "We lost last year in the championship game, and we never want to have that feeling again. So we want to come out on top this year," Abbriano said.