Sophomore forward Annick Van Lange, recently named National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFCHA) and America East Offensive Player of the Week proved to be a force as she registered a pair of goals in Friday’s win against Maine. So Sweet A Cat field hosted its 5th win for the Hawks this season as they continue to roll through conference play.
Right from the beginning, four minutes in, the Hawks took control with a corner strike from junior Ireen Frenken, this game being her fourth in a row scoring a goal. This will be her fifth registered goal of the season as she makes her place known as an offensive force. A mere 13 seconds later, Maine answered with a goal to tie the game up, but this was no match for Van Lange.
Van Lange was able to get her stick on the ball twice and into the back of the net within a short nine-minute span in order for the Hawks to take the lead going into the second half. These would make up Van Lange’s 21 career goals and her 12 on the season. Grauate student midfielder Stefanie Bigler got her name on the scoreboard with the final goal for the Hawks, sending a shot inside the far post off of a broken corner play.
Bigler is making a statement this year as this is her third goal of the season, and her fourth overall in her career. The Hawks have outscored their opponents 14-4 during their three-game winning streak and also improved to a 4-2 record since they have been nationally ranked.
There are also some other names that should not go unnoticed as junior defender Hannah Schavio added one assist to the board and freshman midfielder Aylin Aufenacker added two. Kate O’ Hogan also posted her 17th career win in goal and made two saves that were crucial towards the win.
“Really excited to be 2-0 and truly believe that this game was a culmination of all the girls putting their hard work and mindset into play,” said Head Coach Carly Figlio. “To date, probably from top to bottom, this was one of the better games that we played, and we need to continue to do that as we move forward.”
This win for the Blue and White is the first at home for them in the America East. The Hawks will be at home both Friday and Sunday this weekend to close out the home portion of their schedule and honor their seniors on So Sweet a Cat Field. The Hawks will welcome nationally ranked University of Albany on Friday, Oct. 18 at 2:00 p.m. and Columbia on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 12:00 p.m.
PHOTO COURTESY of Monmouth Athletics
