Catching Up With The Captains

Morgan Roche, Cross Country

Senior

Clifton Park, NY

1. How did you get into (sport you play)?

        Throughout high school I played soccer and basketball and ran outdoor track in the spring. During the spring track season of my junior year of high school I was finding success with the sport and decided to make the switch to cross country/track for my senior year, it was the best decision I have ever made!

2. What brought you to QU?

        While looking at colleges, Quinnipiac came up on my college board search and I had never heard of the school before then. When I came for a visit  I met with coach and the team and fell in love with the school. The combination of opportunities I was going to be given from an academic and athletic perspective from Quinnipiac were hard to turn down.

3. If you had ten words to describe your team, what words would you use?

        Driven, committed, synergetic, tenacious, competitive, confident, poised, successful, fun and priceless!

4. What is your most embarrassing moment?

        In 8th grade we took a class field trip to the bowling alley and while releasing the ball my feet came out from under me. The ball went flying and I slid on my butt down the lane, everyone saw it happen.

5. What is your team’s goal this season?

        Before every race we say, "one team, one dream." Our goal is to win the NEC championship for the 7th year in a row and break into the top 7 at the NCAA Regional meet.

6. What is your favorite sport other than the one that you play?

        If I had to play another sport it would be basketball, but my favorite sport to watch is baseball and the NY Yankees!

7. Ray and Mikes or Corner Deli?

        Corner Deli

8. What celebrity would play your part in a movie about your life?

        I have always wanted to be a movie, so I would definitely try out for the part, but if I didn't get it...Rachel McAdams.

9. Who is your role model and what have you learned from him or her?

        There are a lot of people in my life that have helped me become the person and athlete I am today, but on the top of that list is my parents. They have taught me to follow my dreams and to never give up, anything you set your mind to can be accomplished.

10. Better dancer, Chris Brown or Billy Mecca?

         Based on talent, Chris Brown. Based on heart, Billy Mecca.

Quick Fact: I love to go golfing!

Favorite Movie: Nothing beats watching Miracle the night before a big race!!

Favorite Food: Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and broccoli, or any type of pasta!!

Shuffle iPod, first five songs: 

1. Story of Us (Taylor Swift)

2. Must Have Done Something Right (Relient K)

3. All-American Girl (Carrie Underwood)

4. Just Dance (Lady Gaga)
5. Jumper (Third Eye Blind) 

Academic major: Psychology Major in the MAT program 

Plans after QU: I would like to get a job teaching at the Elementary school level and have the opportunity to coach cross country/track at the high school level.

ECAC Men's Ice Hockey Season Preview

ECAC Men's Ice Hockey Season Preview

By Brian Farrell and Peter Rossi

The following rankings are based upon the ECAC Preseason Coaches Poll:

1. Yale (9)

Key Returns: Brian O’Neill (F), Andrew Miller (F), Kenny Agostino (F), Chad Ziegler (D),

Key Losses: Denny Kearney (F), Broc Little (F), Jimmy Martin (D), Chris Cahill (F), Ryan Rondeau (G)

The Eli’s lose a number of key players from last season including standout skaters Denny Kearney, Broc Little, Jimmy Martin, and Chris Cahill. Between the pipes, the Bulldogs also lost starting goaltender, Ryan Rondeau. “Our team will continue to be a fast and intelligent crew,” said head coach Keith Allain. “Our postseason goals haven’t changed from last season. We want to be in the national tournament and be a contender in the national championship.” Allain went on to say that the team has not made a decision on who their goaltender will be. The team returns juniors Nick Maricic and Jeff Malcolm in net and also added freshman Connor Wilson. With the Eli’s, nothing has really changed. Last season Yale was the highest scoring team in the country, and boasted the second ranked power play unit. They will once again outskate and outscore opponents. The question will remain if they can find a goaltender that will keep pucks out of the net, and if they can score timely goals in the postseason. Last season the Eli’s also had the top rated defense in the country, but early exits in the postseason still leave fans in the West questioning the actual talent of Allain’s teams. For those in the East, they need no reminder.

2. Union (2)

Key Returns: Troy Grosenick (G), Colin Stevens (G), Dillon Pieri (G), Kelly Zajac (F), Nolan Julseth-White (F), Matt Bodie (D)

Key Losses: Keith Kinkaid (G), Brock Matheson (D)

The Union Dutchmen look to continue last year’s successful campaign with another stellar performance this upcoming season. New head coach Rick Bennett has many of the returning scorers from last year’s team, which will certainly keep them a threat to opponents. Bennett believes that, “bringing in the same consistency we have brought in previous years, along with the new guys stepping up will replace those players we’ve lost.”  The biggest hole the Dutchmen need to fill is at goaltender.  Sophomore goaltender Keith Kinkaid signed an NHL contract with the New Jersey Devils after last season thus forgoing his final two seasons. “He never let in any soft goals,” says Bennett.  But it seems the battle between the pipes will be between sophomore Troy Grosenick, and freshmen Colin Stevens and Dillon Pieri.  With the loss of Brock Matheson still fresh in their minds, Union players such as Kelly Zajac and Mat Bodie will need to continue their success to keep the Dutchmen a competitive squad. Bodie was recently ranked fifth among USCHO.com’s top ten defensive players. Bodie was a key factor on the nation’s best power play last season. If all these factors click, Union may be looking at their second straight NCAA appearance come March.

3. Cornell

Key Returns: Greg Miller (F), Nick D’ Agostino (f), Any Iles (G), Vincenzo Marozzi (G)

Key Losses: Tyler Roeszler (F), Joe Devin (F), Dan Nicholls (F), Patrick Kennedy (F), Mike Devin (D), Mike Garman (G)

The Cornell Big Red look to improve upon a solid season last year despite the loss of five senior players. With the loss of three of the Big Red’s top five scorers, junior forwards Greg Miller, who led the team in scoring last season, and Nick D’ Agostino will have to continue their excellence.  In net, the Big Red suffered a big loss with junior Mike Garman’s decision to forgo his senior year. Last season, Garman split time with sophomore Andy Iles. The Big Red brought in freshman Vincenzo Marozzi to fight for a spot with Iles and junior Omar Kanji. Kanji did not see any action last season. If Cornell can find consistency in goal, they can be a heavy threat to take the top spot from favorites Yale and Union. Head coach Mike Schaefer hopes the influx of freshmen will give his team a refreshing breath of air and a renewed energy to be one of the most competitive squads in the league.

4. RPI

Key Returns: Nick Bailen (D), Brock Higgs (F), Mike Bergin (D)

Key Losses: Chase Polacek (F), Tyler Helfrich (F), Bryan Brutlag (F), Jeff Foss (D), Allen York (G)

The Rensselaer Engineers have 14 underclassmen on this season’s roster. RPI will have some sorting to do in net with the early departure of Allen York. Last season, York was ranked ninth in the nation in goal-tending, according to USCHO.com. With the loss, the Engineers will have to find a new constant in the crease.  Junior Bryce Merriman saw action in seven games last season and will see competition from incoming freshman Scott Diebold. This is a young squad that will have to depend on a combination of young players and old faces. Leadership will have to come from strong returners like preseason all-conference defenseman junior Nick Bailen. “As good as he [Bailen] is offensively, he is one of the most competitive skaters on the team,” said head coach Seth Appert. “He has a high ability to see plays and make high end passes to his teammates and to run the power play”. Bailen is ranked seventh on USCHO.com’s “Ten Defense to Watch.”  Yet some of the new guns bring some leadership skills to the team, with six of the major seven position players having served as captains on their former high school or junior teams, including freshmen Zach Schroeder, Matt Neal, and Jacob Laliberte. With Appert feeling this is the best incoming class the program has brought in, only time will tell if it will lead to positive things.

5. Dartmouth

Key Returns: Matt Lindblad (D), James Mello (G), Doug Jones (F)

Key Losses: Evan Stephens (D), Scott Fleming (F), Adam Estoclet (F)

The Big Green lost nine players to graduation last year--notably defenseman Evan Stephens and top scorers Scott Fleming and Adam Estoclet. But now all eyes are focusing on the players that will fill the void and get important ice time. This year’s team has a talented young cast of nine freshmen, which gives Dartmouth a good supporting cast for the future. “We definitely lost some key contributors,” said head coach Bob Gaudet. “This team’s biggest strength is size, and we will use that to our advantage.” With such a young team, the Big Green will rely on junior captain Mike Keenan to lead the way. “[Keenan is] probably the hardest worker on the ice,” said Gaudet. In net, the Big Green will once again rely on senior James Mello. Mello was named the goaltender for the preseason all-conference team. His 2.21 GAA was good enough for second in the conference only behind Yale’s Rondeau.

6. Quinnipiac (1)

Key Returns: Scott Zurevinski (F), Connor Jones (F), Kellen Jones (F), Jeremy Langlois (F), Eric Hartzell (G), Dan Clarke (G)

Key Losses: Zach Hansen (D)

The Bobcats return with nine of their top ten scorers from last year, including their top seven. “We generated a lot of chances as a team last season, but we couldn’t finish on a lot of those opportunities,” said head coach Rand Pecknold. Quinnipiac also returns both of their top goaltenders from 2010-2011, Dan Clarke and Eric Hartzell. Hartzell took the reins for a majority of the season, until Clarke was able to regain some of his magic from his sophomore campaign. The two split time in the postseason, and it appears that until one takes the lead the two will once again split time. In addition to the returning crew, the Bobcats bring in a number of talented freshmen. The 2015 class is led by Tampa Bay Lightning seventh round pick, Matthew Peca. “We had to battle hard to get Peca to come here,” said Pecknold. “There was a lot of competition from other college teams and from major junior teams.”

7. Harvard

Key Returns: Danny Biega (D), Alex Killorn (F), Raphael Girard (G)

Key Losses: Michael Biega (F), Kyle Richter (G), Ryan Carroll (G)

The Crimson turned the heads of everyone in the league to end last season by advancing to the elimination game of the conference quarterfinals against Dartmouth. “We were a bounce away from Atlantic City,” said head coach Ted Donato. The Crimson had a five-game win streak entering their second round playoff series with Dartmouth, which included a sweep of Clarkson in the first round. Like a number of other teams in the league, Harvard is struggling to figure out their goaltending situation. After losing a senior tandem of Kyle Richter and Ryan Carroll, Harvard is trying to figure out who will be this year’s go-to in net. Sophomore Raphael Girard returns after seeing action in just two games last year, while the Crimson also brought in freshman Stephen Michalek.  Most importantly for Harvard is that they will be returning their top scorer and preseason all-conference team defenseman Danny Biega. Biega was voted the team MVP last season and is a front runner for receiving the award again this season. Yet with all the positive energy in the locker room, Donato can only endure so many more losing seasons before he will be out of a job. The Crimson have not enjoyed a winning season since 2007-2008.

8. Princeton

Key Returns: Andrew Calof (F), Sean Bonar (G), Mike Condon (G)

Key Losses: Kevin Lohry (F), Mike Kramer (F), Taylor Fedun (D)

Like a number of other teams in the conference this season, the Princeton Tigers will enter the 2011-2012 season with a new head coach. After Guy Gadowsky left to take the job at Penn St., the Tigers hired former St. Lawrence coach Bob Prier. “I am very excited and very fortunate to inherit such a quality team,” said Prier. Prier’s Tigers return their top point getter and assist leader, Andrew Calof, but are without their top goal scorer from last season, Mike Kramer. This does not seem to pose too much of an issue, because the Tigers have the benefit of returning both of their starting goaltenders. Sean Bonar and Mike Condon split time last year between the pipes starting 15 and 11 games respectively. In addition, Prier needs to find a way to give Calof a player to set up in replacement of Kevin Lohry and Mike Kramer. The Tiger’s ninth ranked power play last season needs to return for them to have a chance to host a first round playoff series.

9. St. Lawrence

Key Returns: Greg Carey (F), Kyle Flanagan (F), Matt Weninger (G)

Key Losses: Aaron Bogosian (F), Sean Flanagan (F), Jared Keller (F)

The Saints lost their two captains, but are in no shortage of leaders. Last season rookie sensation Greg Carey led the team in scoring. It was the first time in 28 years that a rookie had led the team in scoring. His line mate, Kyle Flanagan, is picking up where his brother left off by being named the Saints’ captain for the 2011-2012 campaign. “Flanagan sees the ice very well,” said associate head coach Mike Hurlbut. “He does a very good job finding Carey on the ice.” In addition to returning their top two scorers, the Saints also bring back their goaltender, Matt Weninger. Weninger’s record may not have been stellar last season, but his GAA of 2.65 does a better job explaining his skills. SLU’s eighth ranked penalty kill last season will be what can keep them in games late in the season.

10. Colgate

Key Returns: Eric Mihalik (G), Chris Wagner (F), Kurtis Bartliff (F),

Key Losses: Wade Poplawski (D), Francois Brisebois (F), Austin Mayer (F), Brian Day (F)

The Colgate Raiders look to head into this year refreshed and renewed after a disappointing last place finish last year. Head coach Don Vaughan said that he is confident in the bulk of last year’s squad that is returning. “I feel that the team that finished last season is the one that is going to show up this season,” said Vaughan.  “We really picked it up and played good hockey for the final six to eight weeks of the season.” Colgate looks to have strong goaltending from sophomore Eric Mihalik, who was solid last year. The Raiders will be looking toward sophomore Chris Wagner and junior Kurtis Bartliff to supply the offense. Of the incoming freshman, high expectations are pointing towards Joe Wilson who could be placed on a line with Chris Wagner and Austin Smith. For some teams the only road to success is through a goaltender than can put a team on his back. For Colgate, that might be the only option.

11. Clarkson

Key Returns: Paul Karpowich (G), Richie LaVeau (G), Allan McPherson (F), Nick Tremblay (F), Jake Morley (F)

Key Losses: Brandon DeFazio (F), Scott Freeman (F), Dan Reed (D)

The Clarkson Golden Knights will enter this season without the aid of seven graduating seniors, including leading scorer Brandon DeFazio, Scott Freeman, and defenseman Dan Reed. The Knights stay consistent in goal, having seniors Paul Karpowich and Richie LaVeau in mind to take the brunt of the work between the pipes. Sophomore Allan McPherson had a solid freshman season as he was second on the team in scoring with 23 points, and he looks to be one of the offensive leaders for this season. Senior forwards Nick Tremblay and Jake Morley will try to round out the top offensive unit for the Knights. New head coach Casey Jones is looking for balanced scorers to able to pitch in to put rubber in the back of the net. With focus and dedication, Clarkson will prevent their gold from tarnishing this season as they fight to find themselves a post season spot come playoffs.

12. Brown

Key Returns: Jack McClellan (F), Dennis Robertson (D), Matt Wahl (D), Bobby Farnham (F)

Key Losses: Harry Zolnierczyk (F), David Brownschidle (F)

Last season the Brunos were a hard team to understand. They never put a win streak together of more than three games. They only won just ten games, but beat Boston University and Ivy rivals Cornell and Yale. Brown will be without their top scorer and captain Harry Zolnierczyk, but they return preseason all-conference forward Jack Maclellan. “Jack is one of the best in the east,” said head coach Brendan Whittet. “His skill level with the puck is second to none. He is a magician with the puck.” In addition to explosive scoring from Maclellan, the Brunos return a strong defensive core led my Dennis Robertson and Matt Wahl. Brown also welcomes back their goaltender, Mike Clemente. “We are a team with a lot of energy and pride,” said Whittet. “We will lay it on the line every night in an effort to making strides to become a top team.” If Whittet’s team can keep that mentality they can be a dangerous team come playoff time.

Coaches Preseason All-Conference Team

Goaltender: James Mello, Dartmouth

Defense:

Nick Bailen, Rensselaer

Danny Biega, Harvard

Forwards: Jack Maclellan, Brown

Brian O’Neill, Yale

Andrew Miller, Yale

Black Bears put Bobcats to sleep in overtime; win 3-2

Black Bears put Bobcats to sleep in overtime; win 3-2

By Giovanni Mio, QBSN Staff Writer

            The Quinnipiac Bobcats Field Hockey team lost to nationally ranked Maine in overtime 3-2 in Hamden.

            The Bobcats (6-3) came into this game after winning at Columbia 3-1 on Wednesday.  The Maine Black Bears came into the game ranked 14^th in the national polls. The first half was all about defense, as neither team scored a goal.  Throughout the first half, Quinnipiac focused on defense, only taking three shots.  Maine, on the other hand kept on attacking the Bobcats, ending the half with twelve shots and eight penalty corners.  Maine also dominated Quinnipiac on scoring opportunities.  Bobcats’ senior goalie Nicole Lewis (East Amherst, N.Y.) had 10 saves.

            “We’ve been struggling and have been working on our defense,” said Bobcats head coach Becca Main Kohli.  “Our number one individual goal today was defense.” 

            Quinnipiac started off the second half with a surprise attack.  Two minutes in the Bobcats missed a golden opportunity to score the first goal. The Bobcats took advantage of their next opportunity when senior Kaitlyn Notarianni (Clarks Summit, Pa.) gave the Bobcats a 1-0 with 26 minutes to go. 

The Maine Black Bears wouldn’t give up; with a fierce attack the Black Bears continued to get corners and force penalties from the Bobcats.  Ten minutes after Notarianni’s goal, Maine senior Stephanie Gardiner deflected a shot off Nicole Lewis to tie the game 1-1.  Not even four minutes after Gardiners goal, Black Bears sophomore Alexa Binnendijk scored, giving Maine a 2-1 lead with 13 minutes left in the game. 

The game seemed like it was over, but the Bobcats senior Ashley Gradwell scored the tying goal with two minutes left.  At the end of regulation, the game was tied, forcing overtime.

            “Like they say, ‘Defense wins games’ and I think you kinda saw that today to get into overtime,” said Kohli.

            Entering overtime, Maine had outshot Quinnipiac 22-6.  Quinnipiac came up strong playing good defense, but Black Bears senior Kelly Newton scored the game-winning goal off a rebound save by Nicole Lewis. 

“Honestly, I’d never expect to have 20 saves in my life,” said Lewis, “We just have to take this one step at a time… I think we’re going to bring this momentum into the next game and really use our firepower to get ahead early.”

            The Bobcats will travel to Easton, Pa. next weekend to face Lafayette on Sunday October 2^nd at 2:00pm.

Women's Ice Hockey Blows Out Durham Jr. Lightning 7-0

Women's Ice Hockey Blows Out Durham Jr. Lightning 7-0
By Marty Joseph, QBSN Staff Writer

          The Quinnipiac women’s ice hockey team rolled passed the Durham Jr. Lightning Saturday night in their lone exhibition contest, 7-0. Six different players found the back of the net for the Bobcats, with all three goaltenders seeing game time in the shutout of the Lightning. Brittany Lyons (Canton, Mass) led the way with two goals and an assist, along with freshman Nicole Kosta (Mississauga, Ontario) who netted a goal and two assists.

           

The Bobcats had control of the puck from the opening face-off throughout the first period, as they out shot Durham 15-3 in the first. Durham’s three chances were all quality-scoring chances, but Quinnipiac’s Victoria Vigilanti (Woodbridge, Ontario) made three quality stops, keeping the Lightning off the scoreboard. On the other side, Durham goaltender Jackie Rochefort (Ajax, Ontario) was phenomenal in the first period stopping 13 of 15 shots.

The Bobcats finally beat Rochefort at the 16:37 mark on a goal by Breann Frykas (East St. Paul, Manitoba). Frykas took the pass from Olivia Brackett (Coopersville, Michigan) and put a shot on the net. Rochefort was screened on the play and never got a good look on the shot, as it beat her under her left pad. 57 seconds later, Amanda Colin (Burnsville, Minn.) was able to break through the Durham defense and put a point-blank shot on Rochefort, which trickled by her to make it 2-0 Bobcats.

            The Bobcats picked up where they left off in the second period, as they were able to extend their lead to 5-0. The Bobcats continued to dominate play as they controlled the puck in both the offensive and defensive zones. Brittany Lyons scored to make it 3-0 at the 7:06 mark off a great setup from Kelly Babstock (Mississauga, Ontario) and Amanda Colin.

Both teams switched goaltenders at the halfway point of the 2^nd period, as Kimberly Keller (Stouffville, Ontario) came into the game for Durham and Chelsea Laden (Lakeville, Minn.) for the Bobcats. Anna Borgfeldt (Kristianstad, Sweden) got a pass from Nicole Kosta in the slot and fired a shot passed Keller to put the Bobcats up 4-0 later in the second. Kristen Eklund (Barrington, RI) concluded the scoring in the second period as she put a shot passed Keller at the 13:34 mark. Megan Hagg (Ajax, Ontario) and Chelsea Illchuk (Lockport, Manitoba) got the assists; the goal was the result of a strong shift from that line.

            Quinnipiac was able to close out the game on the Lightning in the third period, staying focused and putting out a full 60-minute effort. Brittany Lyons netted her second of the game at the 9:56 mark to make it 6-0.  To finish things off, Nicole Kosta scored with 8.8 seconds remaining, as she put a wrist shot passed Keller. Kosta had one of the strongest performances for Quinnipiac, and was rewarded with a goal after being setup by Melissa Perry (Chelsea, Michigan) and Breann Frykas.

            The No. 9 Bobcats open their season next weekend on the road against No.8 Mercyhurst. After the two game set with Mercyhurst next weekend, the Bobcats open their home schedule against Maine on October 7^th. 

Catching Up With The Captains

Ashley Gradwell, #21, Field Hockey
Senior
Midfielder
Fogelsville, PA

1. How did you get into (sport you play)?

     I started in 7th grade when I got bored with softball and soccer...it was something new.

2. What brought you to QU?

     The universities name! I just wanted a sweatshirt that said "Quinnipiac" across the front of it and i guess because it had my major- but that was definitely secondary!

3. If you had ten words to describe your team, what words would you use?

     Fun/Funny, united, cunning, loving, hard working, good looking, trustworthy, small-(as in short), underestimated, a challenge to defeat

4. What is your most embarrassing moment?

     My freshman year my entire class had to do 3, 1-hour runs with our coach and I puked all over the gym floor in front on many students and the baseball team.  Wasn't my hottest moment!

5. What is your team’s goal this season?

      Win NEC's! Its our goal every year, silly!

6. What is your favorite sport other than the one that you play?

      NFL- Go Eagles.

7. Ray and Mikes or Corner Deli?

      Corner Deli- chicken fajitia wrap! yum yum

8. What celebrity would play your part in a movie about your life?

      Jennifer Aniston- she's absolutely gorgeous! Even though we don't share the same hair color I would overlook that just to look beautiful on camera!

9. Who is your role model and what have you learned from him or her?

      My mommy- she has taught me that strength lies within a person

10. Better dancer, Chris Brown or Billy Mecca?

       Billy Mecca- duh! *He should come dance at one of our games! We would love that!*

Quick Facts:

Favorite Movie: She's the Man

Favorite Food: Taco's

Shuffle your iPod, first five songs:

1. Love the Way You Lie

2. Dog Days Are Over

3. Super Bass

4. Little Lion Man

5. Lighters

Academic Major: Psychology with a minor in criminal justice

Plans for after QU: graduate school for clinical psychology

QBSN Athlete of the Week: Amanda Danziger

QBSN Athlete of the Week: Amanda Danziger
By Nick Sczerbinksi, QBSN Staff Writer

This week’s QBSN Athlete of the Week honors are awarded to Sophomore Amanda Danziger (Smithtown, NY) of the Quinnipiac Field Hockey team.

Over the course of this young season, the sophomore spitfire has triggered many offensive chances with electrifying runs down the outside lanes of the field and this week contributed one of the most exciting goals in Bobcats history.

With about 15 seconds left in a tie game, Harvard was pressuring in the Quinnipiac end, Maria Malonoski forced a turnover and fired the ball down the field on what looked like a simple clearance ball to send the game to overtime. However, unbeknownst to seemingly everyone in attendance and on the field, Danziger was standing alone behind the last Harvard defender. She settled the ball spun and fired it past Harvard goalkeeper Cynthia Tassopoulos for the game-winning goal.

“I was placed as a high forward in the last two minutes in hopes that a ball could get through like that,” said Danziger, “Maria Malonoski made an amazing pass, it go through two defenders and I received it in the circle and knew that there were ten seconds left and I just received it and took a shot. I looked up, it went in, looked up at the scoreboard, there were 5 seconds left and I was jumping for joy.”

Head coach Becca Main Kohli praised Danziger after the game, not only for her goal, but for a great all-around effort in the midfield.

“She has really stepped up for us and carried a lot of the play in the midfield,” said Kohli, “Amanda had a fantastic game, so it wasn’t luck that she was able to put that ball away. I really thought she did a great job, she played midfield the whole game for us and the last five minutes we moved her to the line, where she used to play and she more than did her job.”

The goal was Danziger’s first on the year to go along with two assists for a total of four points.

Performances like this from Danziger are going to play a major role in the Bobcats’ run towards the NEC Championship.

Quinnipiac Women’s Hockey Prepares For Memorable Season

Quinnipiac Women’s Hockey Prepares For Memorable Season

By Brian Farrell, QBSN Staff Writer

In 2008 Quinnipiac University signed Rick Seeley to become the third head coach of the Bobcat’s women’s ice hockey team. The decision of Seeley to leave Clarkson after a 24-win season in 2007-2008 to become the coach of a Quinnipiac team that won just five games that same season may have been a puzzling one to outsiders, but Seeley understood the potential for both Quinnipiac University and the women’s ice hockey program.

In Seeley’s first season, the team won just three games. The following season, 2009-2010, he led the team to a 16-game improvement in the win column, a first for any coach in collegiate hockey history. This produced the team’s first playoff appearance in ECAC Hockey. Not to mention they enjoyed home ice advantage in the first round. And last season, QU won 22 games and advanced to the conference semi-finals. Heading into this season they are currently ranked ninth in the USCHO.com preseason national poll.

This season, Seeley and the team are looking for more.


“Our best three games last season were our last three games,” said Seeley. “To be able to play the way we did in the most important games of the season provided the team with the confidence we need to take the next step. They couldn’t wait to get started training again last spring.”

One of the main advantages that Quinnipiac has this season is that they only lost two seniors. Nine of their top ten scorers are returning, including the ECAC Player of the Year, Kelly Babstock. But for Seeley and his coaching staff it is not about just one player, but a number of skaters.

“Brittany Lyons has come back in great shape. We have always liked what Brittany brought to the table and this season she has come back with a lot more focus. Felicia Vieweg returned prepared to be the dominant defenseman we expect her to be game in and game out. But most importantly, as a unit, we have all grown up a bit over last season.”

Not only is Quinnipiac returning nine of their ten top scorers they are also welcoming back their star goaltender, Victoria Vigilanti. Vigilanti was recently named to the preseason all-conference team, nudging out Cornell senior Amanda Mazzotta. Vigilanti was tied for the national lead in shutouts last season with nine.

This season marks the first that Seeley will play with a team full of players his staff has recruited. But when asked if this is going to be the first year that he will feel comfortable with the team’s commitment level, he was quick to turn that statement away.

“We got to that point last year because Kelley Davies and Kelsey Britton totally bought into our philosophy. But this year I dread the senior banquet. These seniors have been through everything with us from a 3-26-5 season to being ranked third in the preseason ECAC poll.”

In addition to the returnees, Quinnipiac brought in one of the best recruiting classes in the short history of the program. 


“Nicole Kosta is expected to produce right away. She was second in points in the PWHL last year, and is just a complete player” said Seeley.

“We are very happy with the way Anna Borgfeldt is playing in practice. She might be one of the best players I have ever had walk into our system and play it so naturally.”

The Bobcats also added a junior transfer from national power house Wisconsin. 


“Breann Frykas has obviously had the experience of a national championship team,” Seeley said. “She brings in a lot of speed and determination and should help out offensively and on our power play.”

Joining Kosta, Borgfeldt, and Frykas as new comers are forward Morgan Fritz-Ward and goaltender Chelsea Laden. 

Quinnipiac currently ranks third in this season’s ECAC preseason coaches poll. Cornell received eleven first-place votes, while Quinnipiac received the other first place vote. 


“I would prefer not to be ranked that high,” said Seeley with a smile. “I prefer to continue to be the underdog, but the goal has been to bring this program to national prominence and at some point we have to cross that threshold.”

With great success comes better scheduling. This season Quinnipiac will open its regular season on the road at nationally ranked Mercyhurst. The Bobcats will then have their home opener the following weekend for a two game set versus Maine on October 7^th and 8^th. They will then head north to Boston to take on Northeastern and Boston College.

“Those first six games could make or break us in terms of the national tournament” Seeley said.

Yet Quinnipiac is not much of team to look at what other schools are doing. They are focused on their game.

“Our players no longer fear success. We believe if we play hard and play our best we can beat any team we play. We also understand if we don’t we won’t win many games. The bottom line is we believe we could’ve made the NCAA tournament last year and we don’t want to make the same mistakes again.” said Seeley.

Quinnipiac will open the year at the High Point Solutions Rink at the TD Bank Sports Center this Saturday at 7 p.m. against the Durham Jr. Lightning in their only exhibition of the season. The game can be heard live right here via the live stream link.

Beck Kiting’s game-winner propels Bobcats to first win

Beck Kiting’s game-winner propels Bobcats to first win

By: Ben Diaz, QBSN Beat Writer

The Quinnipiac women’s soccer team came into Sunday’s game against Holy Cross winless, with four consecutive losses.  Sophomore defenseman Beck Kiting (Canberra, Australia) put her little used offensive talent to good use, scoring the game winning goal in the 78^th minute.

The lone goal gave the Bobcats a scrappy 1-0 shutout victory earning their first win of the season. With the win the Bobcats improve to 1-4-1 overall, while the Crusaders drop to 2-5 on the season. “It was important to break the streak,” said head coach Dave Clarke. “We have been in this position the last couple of years where we haven’t started well results wise. It was probably our worst performance of the season and we won.”

After a foul, Quinnipiac goalkeeper Jill Kelley (Simsbury, Conn.) took a free kick near midfield. With several players from both teams battling for the ball, the ball bounced around in the box and found its way to Kiting, who buried it past Holy Cross freshman goalkeeper Carly McCabe.

“This time we decided to have Jill Kelley take the kick,” Kiting said. “It was a bouncing ball in the box. I tried to get on the end of it and see what happened.”

The Bobcats realized after several hard fought games they had to claw one out. “It feels great, trying to get our first win of the season,” Kiting said. “We were pretty disappointed with our performance on Friday against Lehigh and we are happy to get the win today.”

Each team had scoring opportunities but stellar goaltending by the Bobcats’ Kelley and Crusaders’ McCabe prevented either team from capitalizing until Kiting’s lone goal.  

The Bobcats had opportunities in the first half but could tally any goals. Junior forward Shauna Edwards’ header off of a cross from senior midfielder Furtuna Velaj was denied by McCabe, as she made a sprawling save to keep the game deadlocked.

Holy Cross had a scoring chance develop when midfielder Danielle Wasserman’s shot from the top of the box was saved by Kelley. Kelley made a game saving play deflecting the ball with her outstretched fingertips over the cross bar and out of play.

Jill Kelley made three stops in net for the Bobcats, while McCabe saved three shots for Holy Cross. Despite the loss, the Crusaders outshot the Bobcats 13-10.

The Bobcats return to the field when they travel to Sacred Heart for their first Northeast Conference game of the year on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at Campus Field in Fairfield, Conn. The Bobcats do not return to their home turf until October 7^th against Robert Morris. 

Last Second Heroics Lead Bobcats Past Harvard

Last Second Heroics Lead Bobcats Past Harvard
By Marty Joseph, QBSN Staff Writer

       The Quinnipiac field hockey team defeated Harvard, 4-3, in a thrilling non-conference game Sunday at the Quinnipiac Field Hockey & Lacrosse Turf Complex in Hamden, CT.

        The game was full of back and forth opportunities for both teams, strong play on both offensive and defensive ends, and solid goalkeeping. The game wasn’t decided until the final seconds of regulation as the teams were very evenly matched.

        Kim Cunniff (Walpole, Mass) got the Bobcats on the board just 4:44 into the contest, converting on a corner opportunity after being set up by Megan McCreedy (White River, South Africa) and Kaitlyn Notarianni (Clarks Summit, PA). McCreedy was then later set up by Cunniff in the 24^th minute of play, when she flipped a shot into the cage to put the Bobcats up 2-0. Harvard kept its composure and was able to tie the game at 2-2 before the half. Kyleigh Keating (Windham, NH) and Noell Painter (Los Gatos, Calif.) scored just 29 seconds apart to completely change the complexion of the game before halftime, setting up an exciting finish to the game.

        The Bobcats came out and completely shutdown the Crimson by playing suffocating defense for the first 25 minutes of the second half, as Harvard was barely able to put any offensive pressure on Nicole Lewis (East Amherst, NY). Jess Rusin (Garwood, NJ) gave the Bobcats the lead, 3-2, after a great individual effort. She got possession of the ball and patiently outwaited the sprawling Cynthia Tassopoulos (Dallas, Texas). and flipped it up in to the goal. Harvard was finally able to break through Quinnipiac’s defense as Keating scored her second goal of the game off a pass from Katelin Wahl (Chester, NH) to knot the game up at 3-3.

        Harvard threatened to take the lead in the final three minutes of the game, as they were awarded with two corner opportunities; but a key save on the first corner, and a strong defensive play to force the ball wide in the second one kept the game tied. The game seemed to be heading for overtime when Maria Malonoski (Phoenixville, Pa) hit Amanda Danziger (Smithtown, NY) with a perfect pass up field. Danziger was behind the defense and with stood the challenge from Tassopoulos to flip a shot around the goalkeeper and into the cage with only 5 seconds remaining in the game. Nobody saw Danziger in front of the cage besides Malonoski, and the execution of the play could not have been any better. The final 5 seconds ticked off the clock with the Bobcats celebrating and Harvard in disbelief.

       The win improved the Bobcats record 4-0 at home and 5-2 overall as they start a tough stretch with three of they’re next four games coming on the road. Quinnipiac’s next game is on Wednesday when it travels to Columbia for a non-conference match-up at 6:30 p.m. The next Bobcats home game is next Sunday, September 25^th when they host Maine at 1 p.m. in Hamden, CT.  

New Hampshire Sweeps Bobcats

New Hampshire Sweeps Bobcats
By Taylor Massey, QBSN Staff Writer

        After being defeated in a three set match Yale earlier today, Quinnipiac returned to their home court tonight to take on the University of New Hampshire Wildcats.

           

        The Wildcats proved to be an even match-up as neither team held a strong lead in the first set. The Bobcats trailed by only a few points for most of the first set before keeping a tied score up until the final points of the set. The Wildcats eventually took the first set in a narrow 26-24 win.

           

        The second set began just as competitively with both teams continuously getting points on the board. Again, New Hampshire managed to hold a slim lead over Quinnipiac. As the set went on Wildcats increased their lead, 22-15, over the Bobcats, then finally winning the second set, 24-15.

           

        During a pre-game interview coach Robin Sparks noted the Bobcats have been playing with a new line-up as a result of several injuries on the team. Junior Logan Riker and Freshman Tierra Allen were both out for tonight’s game.

           

      QU took an immediate lead over the Wildcats at the beginning of the third set with Freshman Brittanie Robinson scoring the first point. They let their early lead slip away as New Hampshire fired back with some powerful kills.

          

        The match ended in a sweep with New Hampshire taking the final match 25-17. New Hampshire Senior Amy Keding lead the team in kills, recording six of her 10 kills in the first set.

           

       On the Bobcats side, Freshman Tanner Celestin also started out strong earning nine kills in the first set and bringing it to a team high 13 kills by the end of the match. Celestin was covering for the injured Allen. Coach Sparks attributes some of their weaknesses to the new line-up saying “There are some young girls out there in new positions that aren’t exactly sure where they should be”.

           

       Despite loosing in a sweep, the Bobcats had a strong start before the energy was lost. Junior Taylor Payne is focused on keeping the energy consistent in future games. In a post-game interview she states “We need to find a way to conserve that energy and keep that fight going”.

           

      This game leaves Quinnipiac with a 1-12 record. The Bobcats have some time before their next game on September 25^th against Central Connecticut. They’ll be able to utilize this time to strengthen their new line-up. 

Army Blasts Bobcats, 3-1

Army Blasts Bobcats 3-1

By Michael Desjardins, QBSN Staff Writer

            In the first game of the Yale/Quinnipiac Tournament, the Quinnipiac Bobcats women’s volleyball team put up a valiant effort against a fierce Army Black Knights team, but ultimately lost 3-1.

           The first set began competitively, although Quinnipiac never took the lead. However, by the middle of the set, the Bobcats fell apart, and Army was able to take the set 25-12.

            Quinnipiac would go on to lose the second set, as well, 25-17. Midway through the game, Army would win 9 of 12 points, including seven straight. However, the Bobcats did not give up.

            “Well, you know, in volleyball, you could lose 25-0 in two sets and win the match,” says Bobcats coach Robin Sparks. “You just have to forget what’s happened and move forward and think about what you are going to do next.”

            In the third set, they bounced back and squeaked for the win, 25-23, thanks in large part to Senior Kayla Lawler’s (Louisville, KY) 11 assists. Lawler also led the team with 14 digs and 31 assists.

            “I think they are starting to grasp that it’s in their control, to what’s going on the court,” says Sparks. “They really took control of themselves, and they made a commitment to change what was going on and they did a great job of it.”

            The fourth set was a back-and-forth matchup, with neither team unable to take an advantage. However, the Black Knights took control late in the set on a 5-2 run, winning 25-22.

            With the loss, Quinnipiac falls to 1-10 on the season, while Army improves to 8-3.

            The Bobcats return to action on Saturday, as part of the weekend's Yale/Quinnipiac Tournament. Quinnipiac will play the Yale Bulldogs (4-3) on the road at 1 p.m. before hosting winless New Hampshire (0-13) at 7 p.m.

Bobcats Lose to Lehigh in Physical, Controversial Contest

Bobcats Lose to Lehigh in Physical, Controversial Contest
By Jon Alba, QBSN Staff Writer

      After a frustrating performance against Lehigh on Friday evening, the Quinnipiac Bobcats women's soccer team dropped their fourth match of the season, losing 4-2. The loss adds to a rough start for the Bobcats (0-4-1), as they begin to head into the main stretch of their season.
       
      The Mountain Hawks (2-2-1) aggressively attacked the Quinnipiac zone from the start, jumping off to a 2-0 lead after nearly-consecutive goals from midfielder Geena Pepe (19") and forward Murphee Greeley (20"). Greeley would later add another goal in the 51st-minute as well.
       
      Quinnipiac mustered a well-orchestrated score off the foot of junior Shauna Edwards (20"), but after falling behind another two points, only managed a late goal from senior Furtuna Velaj (85").     
        
      The 19 shots on goal by the Bobcats was their largest total on the season, but was matched but a forceful Lehigh showing. Tempers brewed over the course of the contest, as players came to blows with one another in both verbal and even minor physical confrontations.
       
      While the referees did call 19 fouls on the Mountain Hawks, as opposed to seven for Quinnipiac, Bobcats head coach Dave Clarke expressed his unhappiness with the officiating.
        
     "Some of those bizarre referee decisions…they offer no protection to the players," said a visibly upset Clarke. "You bring a talented player like [Velaj] into Quinnipiac, and you offer her no protection."
        
     Clarke's comments came after Velaj was nearly forced out of the game after an aggressive slide-tackle in the first half almost injured the midfielder.
        
     Even after being rattled by the two quick goals early on, Quinnipiac goalkeeper Jill Kelley settled down to close the half. However, the Lehigh offense proved too powerful, as they tired down the Bobcats' defense and forced two more past her. In total, Kelley finished the night with eight saves.
       
     "You can't put all the blame on our goalie, as her defensive mates did do the job," added Clarke.
        
     Quinnipiac will have to be ready to move on quickly, as it faces Holy Cross Sunday at home at 1:00 p.m. Even with the controversial officiating clouding Friday's loss, the coach was clear in his message moving forward.
       
     "Bottom line is, you can't blame the referees for everything. We need to improve the defensive effort, and we have to put away our shots next time."

QBSN Athlete of the Week: Ola Ogunjobi

QBSN Athlete of the Week: Ola Ogunjobi
By Ben Dias, QBSN Staff Writer

This week’s QBSN Athlete of the Week honors are awarded to Ola Ogunjobi (London, England) of Quinnipiac University’s men’s soccer team.

The talented freshman forward found himself in the starting lineup for the first time this season. He made the most of his playing time by having himself a career day.  

Ogunjobi stepped up big time, netting a hat trick on 5 shots, including the game winner with just over a minute remaining, giving the Bobcats a 4-3 come from behind victory over inter-state rival Hartford.  

Ogunjobi's three second half goals propelled the Bobcats (1-3) to their first win of the season, while Hartford (1-5) loses its fifth-consecutive game of the season. He becomes the first Quinnipiac player to net a hat trick since Philip Suprise’s three goal game nearly two years ago.

Ogunjobi led the Bobcats comeback with the game's final two goals, including his second goal, a game-tying tally in the 61^st minute, followed by the game-winner in the 88^th minute.

The freshman forward has seen playing time in all four games for the Bobcats this season. After seeing limited action in the Bobcats 3 previous games against Yale, Boston College and Providence College, Ogunjobi played the full 90 minutes Wednesday against Hartford. With his career day, Ogunjobi has made the most of his impact this season, as he is the team leader in points with 6 and goals with 3.

The Bobcats men’s soccer team returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 24 when they host marquee non conference foe Loyola (Md.) at 2 p.m. at Quinnipiac Soccer Field. 

Kim Cunniff Leads Bobcats over Lehigh

Kim Cunniff Leads Bobcats over Lehigh
By Marty Joseph, QBSN Staff Writer

The Quinnipiac field hockey team defeated Lehigh, 3-2 in a non-conference matchup Wednesday at the Quinnipiac Field Hockey & Lacrosse Turf Complex.

The game consisted of strong efforts from both teams, highlighted by strong defense and solid goaltending.

Kim Cunniff (Walpole, Mass.) opened the scoring for the Bobcats in the 10^th minute of play with a heavy shot on goal; converting a corner opportunity. Lehigh’s Caitlin Donnelly tied the game in the 21^st minutes of play. Cunniff was then set up by Ashley Gradwell (Fogelsville, Penn.) and Megan McCreedy (White River, South Africa) off another corner opportunity with under 2 minutes to go in the half to send the Bobcats into halftime with a 2-1 lead.

Lehigh came out strong in the second half and needed key saves by goalkeeper Nicole Lewis (East Amherst, N.Y.) to maintain the lead. Lehigh finally tied the game at 2-2, when leading scorer Abbie Tilton put a backhand chip shot into the top right corner of the net as she was falling down to beat Lewis.

After Lehigh tied the game, the Bobcats defense shut down any more attempts by the Mountain Hawks, while turning up the pressure on offense. The Bobcats had several chances to take the lead in the late stages of the game, including a penalty stroke by Cunniff, which was turned aside by Lehigh goalkeeper Sierra Segear.

 The Bobcats had 4 corners in the last 3 minutes of the game, waiting until the final one to convert. The Bobcats were awarded a corner opportunity as time expired and Cunniff was set up by McCreedy and Kaitlyn Notarianni (Clarks Summit, Penn.) to give the Bobcats a 3-2 victory.

Cunniff’s hat trick gives her the team lead with six goals on the season.

The Bobcats improved to 4-2 on the season with the victory. Quinnipiac returns to action this Sunday when it hosts Harvard at 2 p.m. at the Quinnipiac Field Hockey & Lacrosse Turf Complex in Hamden, Connecticut.

Bobcats Drop Second Straight, Lose 3-0 To Delaware State

Bobcats Drop Second Straight, Lose 3-0 To Delaware State
By Jon Alba, QBSN Staff Writer


HAMDEN, Conn. -- Despite a strong showing against a hungry Delaware State Hornets squad, the Quinnipiac Bobcats women's volleyball team failed to win its second match of the season Saturday afternoon, losing 3-0 at Burt Kahn Court.
       
     The Hornets came out of the gates strong with a 4-0 run, but Quinnipiac responded with an emphatic spike by star freshman outside hitter Tierra Allen (Sumter, S.C.). Allen would go on to lead the team in kills with 10 throughout the contest.
       
      Ultimately though, behind two consecutive crafty plays anchored by Hornets middle blocker Laisha Davis, Delaware State stole the first set 25-22.
        
      The second set opened with consistent play from both sides, but a crowd-rattling kill by Bobcats middle hitter Olivia Grattan (Pittsburgh, Pa.) pulled Quinnipiac within three late in the set. However, Davis would once again emerge with a forceful spike, clinching the second set for the Hornets 25-23.
       
       Even as the third got underway with a back-and-forth battle consisting of excellent teamwork and communication by both teams, Delaware State proved to be too much, clinching the victory by winning the slot 25-23. The Hornets picked up their first win of the season, moving to 1-7 overall.
       
       "For most of that match we had one senior, four freshmen, and a sophomore on the floor," said Bobcats coach Robin Sparks, attributing some of the team's difficulties to their youth and inexperience. "We made some freshmen mistakes. I told them they have to learn how to let things go."
       
       Even with the relative young age of the squad, several Quinnipiac players posted respectable numbers in the loss. Both sophomore Tracy Wright (Fair Lawn, N.J.) sported 16 digs, while rising freshman Krista Bennett (Scottsdale, Ariz.) aided with 10 of her own. Unfortunately for the Bobcats, unforced errors on serves and minor tips by the Hornets attack late in the third set cost them their eighth loss of the season.
       
      "I think we're going to try to be more aggressive and talkative," Bennett told QBSN following the match. "From here on out we just plan on going strong."
       
      Quinnipiac (1-8) will face a testy Hartford Hawks (5-6) team on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at home.
       
     "We'll sit tonight and watch the tape to see whatever it takes to work," said Sparks. "And it will work. We just have to find the right formula."

Volleyball falls to Navy after another 5-set match

Volleyball falls to Navy after another 5-set match

By: Taylor Massey, QBSN Staff Writer

After a thrilling 5-set match La Salle last night, which resulted in a Bobcat victory, the team took to the court today for another long-winded game. Ultimately, the Bobcats were defeated by Navy, but not without some career highs by several players.

Quinnipiac came out on top in the first set with a slim lead of 25-21. The Bobcats kept up with Navy in the second and third sets maintaining a neck and neck score before letting it slip away. Navy was in the lead at the end of the third set, 2-1.

The Bobcats entered the fourth match with determination. They took an early lead and kept it consistent and until winning the set. Freshman Tierra Allen had six of her career-high 15 kills in the set. Allen led the Bobcats to even the match and bringing the teams into a decisive fifth set.

Navy took the lead in the final set, but the Bobcats weren’t going down without a fight. They evened the score 14-14, keeping a victory for Navy just out of reach for a moment longer. Unfortunately the Bobcats couldn’t hold onto the game long enough and Navy scored the final two points to take the match.

During post-game discussions coach Robin Sparks spoke with pride about her defensive players. She focused especially on sophomore Tracy Wright, who had a career-high of 29 digs. “Tracy played a great game… 29 digs is pretty incredible” praised Sparks.

Wright, who has been inserted as libero due junior Logan Riker’s injury in last night’s game, confessed she didn’t even realize how many digs she tallied. Wright says after last nights game she was “mentally prepared” to play libero. As for her 29 digs Wright says “It’s great… something I worked hard for.”

When asked what needs to be improved for the rest of the season Sparks responded “We [need] to cut down on our unforced errors.”. However, she is confident that this is an achievable goal saying “We have a lot of depth on the team this year. If someone’s not getting something done, we can put someone else out there.”. Coach Sparks and the entire team are working hard to find the right combination for a winning season.

Bobcats Notch First Win in Thriller

Bobcats Notch First Win in Thriller

By Angelique Fiske

            The Bobcats’ first win of the season came in a dramatic 3-2 win in their home opener against the La Salle Explorers.  In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Quinnipiac improved their record to 1-6, as La Salle dropped to 2-8.

            Senior Kelby Carey and freshman Tierra Allen led the team with thirteen kills each, followed closely by junior Taylor Payne with eleven of her own.  Senior Kayla Lawler had an unprecedented forty-one assists throughout the match, and sophomore Tracy Wright led the team with eighteen digs. 

            After dropping the first set to the Explorers 25-16, the Bobcats came back with a fierce second set, keeping the Explorers quiet for the first half of the set.  Even though La Salle came within striking distance, the Bobcats closed out the second set 25-22.  La Salle then took the overall score to 2-1, winning the third set 25-21.  With a 25-19 fourth set win, the Bobcats tied the overall score 2-2, forcing a fifth deciding set.  Despite both teams putting up a fight, never letting the other run away with a lead, the Bobcats came out on top, winning the set 20-18.

            “I’m really, really pleased with the poise we showed and the steadiness,” said Quinnipiac coach, Robin Sparks.  “It doesn’t matter what the score is, you like you’re winning.  I think we did that really well the fifth game. I think that’s going to do a lot for our confidence.”

            The great composure Coach Sparks praised came from a variety of places, particularly after junior libero Logan Riker was removed from the game in the third set due to an injury.

            “When Logan went out, I think we really felt like we had to step it up.  She’s a huge presence on our team,” said Payne.  “I turned to her right when we won and said ‘that was for you.’  She’s one of our captains; she’s just an amazing player all together.”

             Even though the team lost Riker halfway through the match, “Tracy [Wright] came in and did a really good job,” said Allen.

            The team’s ability to accommodate fallen players is something that had been a stretch in the past, Payne recalling that “last year it was whoever could stand got on the court.”  A lot of this has been credited to the freshmen class.

             “Occasionally with freshmen they might freak out, but they’re very steady, very calm.  I wouldn’t think that they were freshmen,” said Carey. 

            The support for the freshman class and the team in general in the home opener also noticeably had an effect on the game’s energy level.  Payne, whose father can be seen with a variety of crazy hats, picked up on the change in atmosphere.

             “We’ve never had a crowd like that in my entire life.  Nick Sczerbinski, the president of QU Spirit, actually came up to me last weekend and was like ‘I think I have a few people coming to the game, do you think your dad would mind?’ Do you think he would mind? Bring as many people as you want,” she said.

            In her first home game, Allen found the support hard to ignore as well with her friends, family, and roommates armed with vibrant posters and body paint.

            “I think the crowd, our friends, our families, and Taylor’s dad, all of that just helps you play better,” Allen said.  “It’s hard to suck having all of that support behind you.”