Broncs stay undefeated, move to 8-0

By Emily Firth

The field hockey team continued its perfection last Friday as Rider shut out an impressive West Chester team, 3-0.
The Broncs were led by the usual stars. Sophomore Virginia Egusquiza finished the day with a goal and two assists while senior goalkeeper Lyndsie Johnson recorded her fifth shutout of the season and her third in a row.
“Field hockey is the type of game where momentum can change very quickly and easily, Head Coach Lori Hussong said “We need to keep that in mind and continue to work hard and stay more determined each time out.”
The team certainly worked hard during this game. One Rider freshman in particular, Marlaine Schneider, was honored as the Northeast Conference (NEC) Rookie of the Week for all the games in the week of Sept. 21 to 27. Schneider extended her goal scoring by hitting the back of the cage five minutes before halftime.
In the 10 seasons under Hussong, this is the 31st time that a Bronc has been the honoree of the week for the conference.
“This is a great honor for her,” Hussong said to Rider Sports Information. “She is very deserving of the award.”
Schneider has compiled nine points, four goals, one game-winning goal and one assist so far in her freshman campaign while firing 27 shots.
“She has been working so hard in practice, and as you can see, she is becoming a very skilled and complete player for us,” Hussong said.
It is evident that the team is at the top of its game right now. The Broncs currently hold an 8-0 record, as their offense and defense have worked very well together.
“Every time we play West Chester, it’s a dog fight,” Hussong said.
The game was intense, and both teams played well. But the Broncs came out on top with a win. As of Sunday, Rider was one of only six undefeated teams in Division I.
When asked about future games and the possibility of making the playoffs, Hussong and leading scorer sophomore Megan Pisani agreed that they cannot look that far in advance. The team understands that they have to stay focused and take each game one at a time.
The Broncs’ main focus is the games that are in their weekly reach. As of right now, the season looks to be promising. The ultimate goal remains:  to capture NEC regular season and postseason championship and move onto the NCAA play-in game.
With its undefeated record thus far and hard practice, the team is sure to keep persevering and defeating opponents.
The Broncs head back on the road for their next game as they face off against Sacred Heart on Sunday at noon.