The Cortland Girls Lacrosse Club concluded their fall 2022 season with a score of 4:1.
While traveling throughout the state of New York as a united team. Competing against teams such as University of Buffalo, SUNY Oneonta, etc. Their team gained 10 incoming players after fall tryouts were held. Immersing these new players on the field was a challenging factor coming into the Fall 2022 season as chemistry on the field has already been established amongst returning players.
October 8th was the opening game of the season, Cortland versus Niagara University’s’ club team on their home turf. I was fortunate enough to speak with incoming sophomore Cassidy Solina whose primary position is attack. When asked a series of questions regarding the energy on field during their warm up as well as how the game went, she explained, “ Coming in as a fresh team, the nerves were at an all time high. The music was loud during our warmups and the stands were filled with family and a lot of the student population which elevated the energy even more.”
Solina continued to explain how she scored her first goal here at SUNY Cortland against Niagara University with a fast break through the eight meter line when Jordyn Meyers assisted her, “The ball went right through the goalkeeper’s legs and my teammates all celebrated with me, it was a moment I will remember for a lifetime” Solina states.
Solina also explained how teamwork as well as pep talks during half time by Kate Kelly (President of Cortland Girls Lacrosse Club) throughout this game resulted in a win with a score of 14-5.
The dynamic on the field was impressive, especially between seniors Rielly Mangano (midfielder) and Kelly Olmstead (defender). When Alexis Kotsailidis (new incoming goalie, transfer from James Madison University) cleared the ball to defender Kelly Olmstead who then threw a long distance pass to her teammate Rielly Mangano, this transition resulted in a successful offensive play.
“These are some of the most welcoming and hardworking girls I have played alongside of. Our defense needs to improve communication during plays but I have full faith in them to continue to improve and I am so thankful that they welcomed me with open arms,” said Alexis Kotsailidis (Division I transfer) said when asked about her experience on the team so far. Kotsailidis highlights the importance of chemistry and positivity amongst a group of athletes in order to have an effective performance. Alexis Kotsaildis was very humble as she did not mention her 13 saves this game.
This upcoming Spring 2023 season schedule is described as challenging by the players, President Kate Kelly says, “This season is going to test our abilities of performing not only in practice but under pressure. During practice we have been working on creating offensive plays that will stump our opposing teams defenders. Seeing if they will be effective should be interesting, I am looking forward to it.” In regards to their upcoming schedule, this Sunday, February 26th, Cortland girls club lacrosse team will travel to Binghamton to play on their turf at 1:00pm. Other teams the Cortland girls Lacrosse club will be going head to head with include Marist, Ithaca, RIT, and Albany.
Women”s Club Lacrosse Team 2022/2023
