The team that has always been the underdog was undefeated in the Little East Conference Championship.
Keene State College’s Women’s Lacrosse Team worked together as one to do one thing — and that was to win.
“We want to win it for each other. We always play better when we play for each other. One of the reasons why we’re doing so well is because were playing with a team effort,” junior lacrosse player Polly Grey said.
“Every season means a new team, but this year may hold the ‘best’ because the team chemistry is so high,“ senior Ashley Borjeson said.
“We work harder for other teammates. We’ve had so many injuries this season, we’re trying to play for all the people that can’t play with us,” Borjeson added.
Kyle Bailey / Photo Editor:
Christa DeMovellan, senior, looks for a pass during a game against Roger Williams April 22, 2014 at the Owl Athletic Complex.
In 2011 and 2012 the team captured LEC titles but lost last spring in the semi-finals to the University of Southern Maine.
“We were used to winning at some point, but my sophomore year it didn’t really feel like we won because the competition wasn’t there,” Borjeson said.
Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Katie Arsenault agreed. “I think you kind of break when you’re supposed to. So I think the seniors remember what winning feels like and they can instill that on the younger players,” Arsenault said.
Although the seven graduating seniors know what it feels like to win, they said it’s important they finish their lacrosse careers on a high note. The competition has fueled the championship-hungry team with not only the right skills to accomplish their goals, but also the heart.
“I live in a house with two other seniors and two juniors and we talk about it non-stop, about how bad we want to win it. We’re all so close and the underclassmen have said they want to win it for us,” Borjeson said.
“Having all these seniors and seeing them having all the heart really carries the team and gets us hyped to win,” Grey said.
According to Arsenault, having heart and the will to battle until the end will really separate them from other teams in the tournament.
“The tournament is anyone’s game. This is what we really need to understand, to come together and fight as a team for everything,” Arsenault said.
The combination of ample confidence and motivating teammates has made the owls untouchable. With a one-of-a-kind defense and a con nected offense, it looks like the Owls should have no problem adding their skills to this winning combination of heart and will.
“I think everyone is putting in effort and have stepped up when they needed to and now have the experience to go into the tournament,” Arsenault said.
Whether or not the team wins with ease or struggles, the team will always work as one.
“When we’re down, or when individuals aren’t doing well, or even when we’re playing flat [no energy] as team. All we have to do is come together and work it out, as opposed to keep playing flat. I think we just need to keep our heads and stay focused,” Grey said.
With one heart and a focused mind the women’s lacrosse team defeated Southern Maine University 13-9 in the semi-finals, but then lost to Plymouth State in the finals 8-4.
Kendall Pope can be contacted at kpope@keene-equinox.com
