Alex Thomas
Contributing Writer
Anne Versprille, Women’s Lacrosse
The Springfield College women’s lacrosse team is off to a solid start to their season. The Pride are 3-0 after defeating Eastern Connecticut, Keene State and Plymouth State to open up the 2013 season. The Pride have some high expectations this year to win and make a run at the NCAAs, and so far they are off and running. The Pride are a team that don’t give up too many goals by lacrosse standards, and a huge part of that is the play they have gotten from their starting goalie, junior Anne Versprille, who is also a captain for the team.
Q. What are your expectations for the upcoming year as a team?
A. It’s been good to start 3-0. Our schedule gets tougher over the next couple of weeks, so we are looking to continue the hard work we have been putting in. We have a lot of potential this year.
Q. What are your personal expectations for the season?
A. I’m working to get better every day in all aspects of the game so I can make an impact on the team in practices and games.
Q. How do you feel about your first couple performances this season?
A. It’s been a pretty good start. The numbers are a reflection of our whole team. They have my back and I have theirs. They force the other team to take bad shots, which makes it easier for me. [I’ve] had ups and downs in both games that I’ll learn from.
Q. As a goalie, how do you prepare for each game?
A. I get most of my nerves out throughout the day, and before the game I listen to music and just get focused. It’s always exciting to get out on the field and have some fun.
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John Coen, Men’s Volleyball
Springfield College is proud of the men’s volleyball program that they send out onto the court every year, and rightfully so. Springfield has one of the top Division III programs in the country, one that constantly fights for national titles. One of the major reasons for that is senior John Coen.The Pride continued their terrific season this past weekend, defeating Vassar and Emmanuel at home on Saturday, March 2. Coen had a terrific 12 kills off the bench against Vassar to go with five blocks and a solid five aces. He also tied for a team high of eight kills against Emmanuel on Saturday.
Q. How do you feel about your personal performance this past weekend?
A. I felt good during both of the matches. Against Vassar I wanted to be a spark plug for our team since we were down two sets to none when I came into the match. I [wasn’t] worried about any of my personal stats; I was more concerned about how I can inspire my team to make a comeback.
Q. SC men’s volleyball is always one of the best in the country. What are the expectations for his season?
A. Every year Springfield men’s volleyball wants a chance to compete in the National Championship, and it is no different this year. Specifically, this year our goal is to figure out what obstacles can hold us back from performing at our best and eliminate them.
Q. What are you expecting on a personal level this season?
A. My personal goal for this season is to be as consistently good as I possibly can. Whether it is on the court playing, during practice pushing other players, or in a supporting role, I would like to consistently contribute in our team’s quest to [becoming] a championship level team.