April 21, 2008

The team has been plagued with hard luck, losing six games by two goals or less. Has the team been pressing in close games with all those close losses in their minds?

We've had a lot of tough games this season, including a few last-second heartbreakers. The overtime losses and one-goal losses have been tough to brush off time after time, but I'm really proud of our team because we don't let past games affect us while we're playing. If anything, it makes us work even harder.

In a loss against Duquesne, the team let a late lead slip and lost in overtime. How did the team try to get back up and play overtime?

Their late goal led to a shift in the momentum of the game that unfortunately didn't end up working out for us. But we knew that we really needed to win that game to stay alive in the conference, so we definitely played our hearts out until the last whistle.

How have you adjusted to your new head coach (Christy Malone) and what differences have you noticed during the course of the season?

Coach Malone has brought a new mentality to the program on and off the field. She has us running an offense that has more freedom than our more structured offense of the past. We've also been more involved in team activities and in the community. She's been working really hard to get some quality girls in here for next year so that we have more depth and can keep the program moving forward.

You faced some stiff competition this season, facing two nationally ranked opponents in Ohio State and Oregon. What was it like to experience battling against such high-profile teams?

It's always fun to play ranked teams because they come in here not expecting such a competitive game, but we always prove them wrong: we went into overtime with Oregon this year and last year it was Ohio State. I really believe that we can play at the same level as those teams and I think that we will continue to earn respect on a national level.

The transition has always been one of my favorite parts of the game because I love to run the field. It's mostly about being in good shape, so that even after running back and forth I can still be productive on the offensive end.

The team has quite a few seniors and a lot of underclassmen. How has the senior class bridged the gap between the two age groups?

One of the biggest things our team prides itself on is not having four distinct classes. It really feels like one big team and it is one of the reasons why our team has such great chemistry. One of the positive aspects of having a team that's small in numbers is that we are a really tight group.

What do you think your legacy will be after your time here at St. Bonaventure ends? What was your favorite memory of your four years here?

I really believe our senior class as a whole will leave a mark on the program as far as changing the team dynamic. We've always tried to make sure that our team stays close, and I know that it shows on and off the field. I've loved being a part of such an amazing group of girls for four years.

What were your feelings after being named to the Atlantic 10 All-Academic team last year? How have you managed to balance success on the field and off?

It was an honor to make the team because I know that it's a pretty small group of athletes that is chosen. I was a multi-sport athlete in high school so making the transition to college wasn't too difficult as far as balancing my time. I think it's important to take pride in the things that reflect on me, such as my team and my academics.

With so many standout seniors leaving after this season, who do you feel has the best chance to pick up the slack next season?

It's tough to pick out just one person. Keri Vito has always made a huge impact on the field. She will be the only senior next year so that's a really tough spot for her to be in, but I'm sure she'll do awesome things. The girls who are underclassmen are all great players as well and we have a pretty strong group of incoming freshmen lined up. I know a lot of the girls will step up to fill the gaps and I'm looking forward to seeing the program thrive next year.