Staff Writer
Freshman Tina DeGirolamo of the field hockey team and sophomore Drew Vanasse of the men’s soccer team have earned the Springfield Student Newspaper Players of the Week award for 10/20/11 through 10/26/11.
Athletes of the Week for 10/20/11–10/26/11
Tina DeGirolamo
Tina DeGirolamo is a freshman defender on the Springfield College field hockey team and has been a key player in the team’s turnaround. Her defense has helped to shut down the top scorers from opposing teams. The Pride now hold a 4-3 NEWMAC record, a 4-12 record overall, and have the playoffs in their sights. With the way that DeGirolamo is playing defense, coupled with the way the entire team has played recently, the team could make a run late in the season and into the playoffs. Springfield hosts Mount Holyoke Saturday at 1 p.m. to wrap up the regular season. The Pride then begin the NEWMAC Tournament on Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Q. After a rough start, does it feel good to string together a couple wins?
Q. How does it feel shutting down opposing teams’ leading scorers?
A. Fantasic! It was a huge responsiblity to be put on these girls who were such good players, and I was really honored that the coaches chose me for the job. The idea of taking a high scorer out of the game got me really fired up and luckily I was able to prevent some goals from happening.
Q. How does it feel being a freshman and being an important part of a varsity team?
A. It feels great. It’s always awesome to be given the opportunity to play. There is a huge amount of talent among our team, on and off the bench, and everyone brings their own part to the team that makes us better. Everyone has an important part. Its just a good feeling to be a part of this team in general.
Drew Vanasse
The sophomore midfielder has played very well lately and has been a very important role player for the Pride. As a midfielder, Vanasse must be good at both offensively and defensively, which can be very hard to do. Vanasse is doing well at keeping opponents from scoring. Seven of the team’s wins have been shutouts, and the opponents have been held to only a goal in three other matches. He is also doing well on the offensive side of the ball by scoring a goal and having three assists on the season. Springfield begins the NEWMAC Tournament next Wednesday, Nov. 2 with quarterfinal action. With a 4-2-0 record in conference play, the Pride have locked up a top-three seed in the tournament.
Q. Soccer has a great record so far with a record of 9-4-3 at the end of the regular season. Are you satisfied with the season?
A. Yes, we’re playing well. We were on a three game losing streak but we broke that with a win tonight.Things are looking better as we go forward.
Q. The team has a 4-2-0 record in the NEWMAC. Will your good conference record get you a good seed in the playoffs?
A. Yes. The way it looks right now is that we’re the second seed but we have to wait for the end of the season. If both teams win, we have to go to a possible coin toss for the seeding. It’s a little confusing, but we’re hoping that we get the second seeding.
Q. You play midfield. Do you like your role as a player who plays both sides of the ball? Or would you rather play offense of defense?
A. I like it. In the beginning I was a little unsure. And, after talking to coach about strategies and tactics, I like it just because I can get in the defensive mind. I’m conserving energy back there and it’s not as physically draining. I can just run around and help the team out.
Nick Lovett may be reached at nlovett@springfieldcollege.edu