Arriving at about 8:30 with the temperature already at 82f, the team assembled on the track at Metzger. Led by the Director of Strength and Conditioning Steve Plunkett a warm up was conducted using the hurdles set up for the exercise. This was the day of the dreaded mile run and no one was exempt. The earlier hour was chosen for obvious reasns but at 82 there was no escaping the heat. Armed with heart monitors the coaches directed the players into two heats, mixed by class and positions. The upperclassmen were casually prepared but there was obvious trepidation from the first year players.
The first heat was a fast one with senior Aliza Furneaux breaking out to an early lead with Amanda Magadan strategically two lengths behind. Ellen Coulboune remained a stealthy third. However, as the heat progressed Magadan broke to the lead finishing first in 6 minutes, followed by Colbourne, with Furneaux making it a close third. Cameron Costello was fourth and finished ahead of all her classmates! The second heat was not as close as Meg Lillis broke out to an early 6 length lead and never gave it up.
With that done, the team walked back to Rappolt Field to begin the day of real hockey. Today, was a day to practice pressing. It was an entertaining practice to watch and Magadan opened the practice with two goals as the team seemed to be energized by playing real hockey. There was also some really good defense at work, as I saw some excellent passing and releases up field by freshman Lisa van der Geest. Aliza Furneaux seemed to be in the mix at crucial times showing her senior experience.
Sophomore Kristin Taylor showed good vision and aggressiveness from the midfield position, while defender Cody Hunsicker seemed no worse for wear after an earlier back muscle sprain.
Coach Stone seemed pleased as the session progressed. It was especially notable given that by the time practice ended it was already reaching 93 degrees. She has decided that the second practice of the day would be from 8-10 pm under the lights tonight in the cooler weather.
Tomorrow will be a day off and a team activity is scheduled to give everyone a well deserved break before resuming training on Monday. Tuesday will probably be a pre-game light day and the exhibition at Rutgers at 3pm on Wednesday is anticipated by fans and players alike.
