Greg Fitzpatrick
Contributing Writer
Katie Gill, Field Hockey
Freshman Katie Gill has provided a huge spark for the field hockey team this season. Last Friday against Clark University, Gill scored twice in the second half to lift Springfield over Clark 5-3. Her goals came in a span of 1:46. Gill helped the team snap their two-game losing streak. They improved to 3-2 and got their first win in NEWMAC play. Gill has now emerged as an offensive threat with the way she has been playing the last few games. She has scored three goals and an assist in the first six games this season. Despite the team losing 7-0 against Amherst, they still have a high chance of having success this season. Gill believes if they execute better on offense, the team will only get better.
Q. Are you happy with the way you played against Clark?
A. I am very happy with the way I played, especially in the 2nd half.
Q.What have you done to prepare for the season?
A. At first I wasn’t able to train because I play softball all summer, but once I got into the training program I was in good shape. It was a lot of work but it paid off. .
Q. As a freshmen how have the upperclassmen motivated you?
A. They are so nice and helpful. They help me with learning new skills and we are all just a close bunch.
Q. What does the team need to improve on to win NEWMAC’S?
A.We need to work on corners. We haven’t executed well on them. Working every day on it has helped and getting those extra reps in.
Q. Favorite meal at Cheney?
A. Mashed potatoes
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Anthony Salvucci, Men’s Cross Country
It has almost been impossible to stop Anthony Salvucci on the cross country course this season. Salvucci has been named the NEWMAC cross country runner of the week, for two weeks in a row. On September 8th, Salvucci finished first among 110 runners at the Smith Invitational in Northampton, Mass. He ran a time of 26:47.20 on the 8,000 meter course. Last Saturday Salvucci and his team competed at the Dartmouth Invitational and the Pride finished second out of 39 teams. Part of their success came from Salvucci’s solid performance, finishing second out of 293 runners respectively, he ran a personal best of 24:43.18, over two minutes faster than his performance at the Smith Invitational. The senior captain has set the team up with a great chance to win NEWMAC’s if they keep this up. Their next race is this Saturday at the Purple Valley Classic in Williamstown, Mass.
Q. How has your early success this season, motivated the team as a whole?
A:I think that the team as a whole has been motivating itself. Everyone ran well which resulted in a second place finish out of a large group of teams. It was the first time the team had ever won a trophy since I have been on the team.
Q. What do you feel needs to be improved upon as an individual? Team?
A. As an individual I think I need work on closing the last 200 of a race harder, but that will come later in the season. As a team we just need to work on staying healthy by eating right and getting lots of sleep.
Q.How does it feel to be named NEWMAC runner of the week for the 2nd week in a row??
A. It has motivated me to continue to work hard and focus more during training.
Q. Favorite meal at Cheney?
A. I would have to say my favorite meal from Cheney is a bacon and onion omelette made by Joe with home fries and a glass of coffee.