Who’s hot and who’s not in Kean Athletics

By Thomas Antonelle

 

Women’s Soccer

A team that was coasting through most of September has taken an unfortunate step back in their late October play. The Cougars, who were 10-2-2 just a short time ago, now sit at 10-5-3 overall.

After a hard-fought battle against TCNJ, the team got the bounces they needed when the game went to penalty kicks. Converting on all three attempts was senior Julianna Natale, junior Amanda Repko and freshman Angie Lopez.

KC Nunez had another outstanding game between the goal posts, as she saved two of the penalty kicks and watched another go wide of the goal. The team will advance to the semifinals of the NJAC Tournament.

The ECAC was a success as they won both games by a score of 2-1.

Women’s Volleyball

The women’s volleyball team is still looking sharp after a solid play throughout September and October. With a 12-4 record during October and currently sitting 26-9 this season, the Cougars are looking to advance in the NJAC Tournament when they host Montclair State University.

Another piece of great news for the Cougars is the development of freshman Nicolette Poveromo, who has had an outstanding season. Senior Katie Schuh and junior Kaitlyn Hansen both continued their stellar plays as they helped their team break a university record.

Kean hasn’t recorded 26 wins since they won 35 games back in 1995.

With one win and one loss in both the NJAC Tournament and ECAC Tournament, the team has a lot to be proud of at this time.

Field Hockey

This season has proved to be a tough one for the women’s field hockey team. With an 8-11 record overall and a 2-4 record in conference play, there were little opportunities to celebrate.

One positive is the great play of an NJAC Player of the Week, junior Stephanie Soares. Her impressive week, which consisted of tallying 10 points, gives the team some security, knowing that she will return for a final season.

Women’s Tennis

After what was a very promising September, the women’s tennis team lost its groove completely in October. The team went 6-2 in September and couldn’t find one victory in their final five matches.

Sporting a 1-5 record in conference play, the team needs to make some adjustments as they head into next season. Junior Debra Dress was named NJAC Player of the Week. She finished off her junior season with 9-4 records in both singles and doubles play.

Men’s Soccer

After what was looking to be a solid season for the men’s soccer team, the Cougars ended with disappointment in the month of October. Finishing with a 9-11 record overall and 4-5 in conference play, the Cougars will have to figure out how to play a more consistent game next season.

It will be easier said than done, coming off a heavy loss to Rutgers-Newark in overtime of their NJAC Tournament game. This season is behind the Cougars, who can focus on their game plan for next year.

Football

The men’s football team has made a huge turn-around this season. After losing the first two games, the Cougars went on a five-game winning streak.

The team’s recent success comes in large part to the stellar play of quarterback Christian Bailoni and running back Darius Kinney. Players saw a glimpse of their early season struggles in their latest loss to SUNY Cortland.

The month of November is one the team will want to forget about.

Their game against Rowan University was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy and they have ended their season with a loss to Montclair State by a score of 10-7.

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