‘Nova field hockey began its season with a 1-1 record after traveling west for two games in California.

The team ended its weekend play with a game against Stanford, where the ‘Cats fought hard and brought home their first win and a key victory. “The win over Stanford was great because they are always a top rated team which does say a lot about our team,” said head coach Joanie Milhous.

Despite the fact that the Stanford Cardinal got on the board first and carried the lead into halftime, ‘Nova dominated the second half ending the game with a final score of 3-1. Scoring for ‘Nova was senior Leah Lisausky, and sophomores Sarah Francis and Rory Rogers who scored with an assist by freshman Sara Schmidt. Junior Vanessa Pizzulli led the defense holding the Cardinal to only 12 game shots compared to the Wildcats’ 20. Despite being new to the team and to college hockey, freshman goalie Erin Scott gained her first win with six saves against Stanford.

“Erin Scott is great, she got a real taste this weekend for what college hockey is all about, and she was totally up for it,” Milhous said. “I don’t even think of her as a freshman. I have all the confidence in her…the team has confidence in her as well.”

Despite the powerful win over Stanford, the women started off the season with a loss. On August 30, the women played their first game of the season and fell to the Pacific Tigers 2-0.

“We got off to a rocky start against Pacific but we turned it around and played really well against Stanford to come out two goals ahead,” Lisausky said. “At first it was really frustrating losing to a team we should have beaten, but on Sunday we all picked up our game and beat Stanford. It showed our potential for the season.”

The ‘Cats out-shot Pacific 8-4 in this first ever game between the Wildcats and the Tigers, which was also the season opener for both teams.

“I think this year is the best combination of players on and off the field. This is the most skill we have had and the best chemistry as a team since I have been here” says Lisausky

This chemistry will be the key to victory for the team in Sunday’s away game against rival, the Delaware Blue Hens.

‘Nova played Lafayette Wednesday evening, but as of press time, results were not available.