The Lincoln Lion Girls’ Field Hockey team came out swinging this fall, winning their first five games, but they have suffered a slight dip in form, losing three of their last five games.
While the girls started off the season strong, the past few games they’ve been in a little slump. Despite the strong start, the Lions are still trying to find their rhythm.
“I feel like it’s just because we had 11 seniors graduate, so most of our starting lineup is gone, so we’re not used to playing together as a team,” senior captain Audrey McQuade said. “I think we’re having a little bit of trouble with communication and just playing together. We also have a new coach and a full new coaching staff and they’re all very young. We’re all just trying to figure out how to play together and how to work together. We start losing and then, we get really in our heads about it and it makes us play worse because we’re stressed out about the loss.”
The Lions’ strong start to their season involved picking up key wins over South Kingstown and Pilgrim to build up some early momentum. Both victories showed the girls’ potential for the season ahead. The girls have also had some wins against Char/Prout Co-op beating them twice with scores of 5-0 and 2-1.
“We started off really strong with a 5-0 season,” said head coach Hailey Joyce. “So moving forward, we’re going to harp on what caused us issues during [the Cumberland] game to hopefully progress and have a successful season.”
The girls’ goal for this season is to make it to the playoffs and go on a championship run.
“Our goals for this season are to work together as a team more, really use our teammates and use each other as a whole,” senior captain Ava Cipriano said. “Obviously our end goal is to make it to the playoffs and hopefully win.”
Cipriano and fellow captain Zoe Gaitainis lead the Lions, bringing consistency and strength to the team in both leadership and performance. Their presence on the field helps set the standard for the rest of the team.
“Their strengths are getting the ball in the back of the net,” Coach Joyce said.
Alongside them, junior midfielders Molly Comtois and Isabella Marano have provided steady support, adding both depth and reliability to the team. Seniors Lily Schmidt and Audrey McQuade also contribute with solid play and effort, helping round out a group that has been central to the Lions’ early season success.
“They carry strong qualities, they’re all great leaders on the field, and I lean on them a lot during gameplay,” Joyce said.
While the girls have had some ups and downs this season, they are still determined to finish this season strong. Come support them in their next home game against South Kingstown on 10/2.
