After not being able to play for over a year, the Oswego State Field Hockey team is off to a strong start to their 2021 campaign, going 4-1 in their first five games. Despite their 4-0 start they were bested by Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T) 4-1 Wednesday. Head coach Heather Moore knows what her team needs to return to their winning ways.

“I think a little bit of resiliency,” Moore said. Even though the result isn’t what we wanted, it was a really good benchmark game for us, and I would expect them to play at that level moving forward.”

Senior Alyssa DeMichael knows that the team played well against RIT, and although they lost,  said they need to continue their strong play.

“I think we just need to keep up our intensity,” DeMichael said. “We actually played a really great game yesterday, they were a really tough team, and we need to look back at the game footage to see what our mistakes were so we can build on it.”

Moore is glad that her team is able to come back and play after the long hiatus. This is her first real in-person interaction she had in a while. She said she is happy they can finally be together as a team.

“We were just very grateful to be back after more than a year off,” Moore said. “We are grateful to be able to play again, and be together as a team which is something we weren’t able to do other than virtually over Zoom. I think being together and focusing on playing has stimulated us and got us ready to start the season, and helped us come out strong.”

There are a few players that caught Moore’s eye this year, she sees a big impact from these individuals and how they have played to start the season. Junior forward Kacie Simzer, senior forward Alyssa DeMichael and junior defender Kaitlyn Mastracco all have helped push the team forward. Moore also credited her defensive unit for being strong to start the season.

“Simzer has been playing really well and so has DeMichael, I think the both of them have had good looks at the cage, and have been great at generating some offensive momentum for us,” Moore said. “I think Mastracco has done really well in the midfield, being able to break through and distribute the ball.”

Like most coaches, Moore finds team chemistry very important when it comes to success in games. Not being able to play together for over a year would normally be a bad thing, Moore believes that the chemistry within the team is as strong as ever.

“I think they all work really well with each other on and off the field,” Moore said. “I think the chemistry was there right from the get go, they did a lot of stuff on their own in the off season, and all of their efforts were motivated by themselves, so I think that started us off on the right foot.” 

Kacie Simzer agrees with her, as they spend a lot of time outside of practices and games with each other, strengthening their bond. She is glad that the chemistry has been strong allowing them to stay focused on their play.

“I feel like our chemistry is really strong this year,” Simzer said. “Everyone gets along, everyone’s really inclusive. Everyone has been having a good time, and it’s been good on and off the field.”

The Lakers hope to bounce back and improve to 5-1 versus St. John Fisher on Saturday. Moore is certain that the team can push through, and continue their strong play to start the season going forward. 

William Rogers | The Oswegonian