After losing out on a whole season to COVID-19, the Oswego State field hockey team is off to a 4-2 start and looks to continue its early-season success under head coach Heather Moore, senior defenseman Abby Testo and senior Forward Alyssa DeMichael.fTwo veteran leaders for the team, DeMichael and Testo have had their fair share of experience. DeMichael has started in all 37 games throughout her career, while Testo has started in all but one. Field hockey has meant a lot to these two as they have had many fond memories playing for the Lakers the past four years. 

There are a lot of good moments to reminisce about for these seniors. All the hard work and preparation that goes into the season is something they have been through several times. For Testo, seeing the field hockey team improve from start to finish is one of those accomplishments she got to witness.

“Seeing the team grow from our freshman year has been the best part,” Testo said. “It really started our freshman year, our whole class, it’s nice to see us as seniors and really grow into a good group.”

DeMichael scored in her first career game against Wells College on Aug. 31, 2018, while Testo scored her first career goal against Hartwick College on Oct. 9, 2018. From that moment on, the seniors have continued to leave their mark on the team and are certainly going to miss the sport  after this season.

“Just being together, gamedays and being close, we’re like a family,” DeMichael said.

The support the Oswego State fans have given the team over the years sparks their fuel to compete and give every game their all. Having a sense of comfort at the Laker Turf Stadium is something these girls are very excited to have back this fall.

“The whole community has your back through everything and it’s nice to have that support system,” Testo said. “Whether it’s on the field or in the classroom, there is always someone looking out for you.”

Testo and DeMichael, along with the rest of their senior class, hold a special place in Moore’s heart, as this group was her first recruiting class in command of the Lakers. 

“It’s been really fun, this is my first recruiting class, so being able to see them in their first years and then transitioning all the way forward to their last has been awesome,” Moore said. “It’s unfortunate that COVID happened because we lost a whole year, but it’s been fun, they are becoming adults and thinking in different ways now so it’s been really rewarding as they are going into their senior years.”

Moore went on to give out some advice to the seniors for what comes next after their field hockey careers.

“Continue to be focused, determined, and work hard,” Moore said. “Always have a voice when you are working with your peers.”

Both Testo and DeMichael play great roles on this team and Moore praises them and their other senior players on how much they mean to the team. For this group of seniors, taking a moment to soak in an experience that last year’s seniors did not get is something they want to remember. This year they have an opportunity to pick up what those players could not do on the field.

“They are a large group, there are seven of them and the fact that they were grateful to have their senior year,” Moore said. “They are excited to show up and change the way that the team has functioned in the past to what it is now, in a more positive way and distribute that positivity and good vibes all over the place.”

Moore continued to hand out praises for Testo, DeMichael and the fellow seniors as far as what they mean to the team.

“They are the heart and soul of this team. They have the most experience, they have a variety of positions that they play, so I think the team will miss their impact and leadership,” Moore said. “They will be missed, and hopefully they have done their job, so there are people to fill in their spots.”

For the Lakers, this has been their best start to a season since 2018, when they also started 4-2. Both DeMichael and Testo are off to roaring starts.

 DeMichael, recording four goals and one assist through six games is on her way towards having the best season of her career. She had eight goals and two assists back in 2018, both career highs. 

Testo has been rock solid on defense for the Lakers and has already matched her career total in assists this season in only five games.

The Lakers grabbed a 5-0 victory at Morrisville State and look to keep up their momentum at Elmira College Sept. 24. 

Will Rogers | The Oswegonian