Hope After Loss for St. Anthony College Women’s Lacrosse Team
It’s rare for the St. Anthony College women’s lacrosse team to see defeat. In fact, they hadn’t lost in nearly four years, spanning a tough 51-game stretch. However, that changed unexpectedly in April when they faced a significant challenge.
In an intense match, the team, ranked first nationally, narrowly lost 10-9 in overtime to the top public school team, Darien, Connecticut. This was a surprising turn of events for the well-established program in Long Island, which comprises 33 universities.
“You definitely learn more from losses than wins,” shared senior captain Sofia Novelli, who’s committed to Vanderbilt. She highlighted the importance of learning from setbacks.
Adding to her thoughts, Novelli reflected on how this loss was quite an adjustment, being the first she and her teammates had experienced since her freshman year. Despite dropping to third in the US Lacrosse national rankings, the team is still viewed as a strong contender for the upcoming playoffs.
The Friars are on a quest for their sixth consecutive Catholic League title and the program’s 26th overall, which adds even more pressure to their upcoming matches.
“It feels like an episode of ‘Hard Knocks’ here,” remarked head coach Darcy Messina, who boasts a remarkable 45-1 record, noting how the team seemed more determined than ever after the loss. They had practice the very next day, indicating their commitment to moving forward.
Resilience and Renewal
Messina, also the coach for Team USA’s U-15 squad, remains optimistic despite the defeat. She emphasizes the importance of gratitude during these final weeks of the season. “It’s a blessing to be here,” she stated.
“We keep reminding them how special this is… really embodying what St. Anthony’s stands for: mind, body, and spirit,” she added, expressing her belief in the team’s values.
Her enthusiasm resonates with the players. Emma Speed, a co-captain, noted how vital support and camaraderie are within the team. She’s excited to bring those values into the next season as well.
After the recent loss, Speed mentioned how everyone on the team is eager to regroup and start yet another long winning streak. “Losing lit a fire in our hearts. We all wanted to be better,” she said. It prompted reflections on their capabilities and brought the team closer together.
Looking Ahead
Heading into the playoffs, the Friars are eager for redemption. They have tough games ahead against several ranked teams, including Cold Spring Harbor and New Canaan.
“We have goals,” Messina expressed, hinting at a desire for a rematch with Darien in the future. There’s a sense of determination to prove themselves, despite what critics might say.
“It would mean everything to me,” Novelli affirmed, recognizing the honor of representing her team. A win to cap her high school career would be the perfect closure.
