Together We Transform Thursday – October 25, 2018


 
A Memorable Week for Women's Soccer  
 
Senior women's soccer player Julie Johnstonbaugh had quite the week. It all started last Thursday.
 
Our women's soccer team was hosting Hartford with first place and critical playoff positioning on the line. Of course our first-place volleyball team was playing in Pritchard Gym at the same time, but given the stakes and the fact that it was the final regular season home game for Julie and our other five seniors I chose to be at LaValle for women's soccer.
 
Hartford jumped out to a 1-0 lead but our women battled back and ultimately tied the game late in the second half on a beautiful goal off the foot of sophomore Alyssa Francese. As overtime started, I had a very positive feeling that we were going to find a way to win. With one minute left in the first overtime period, that is exactly what happened when Julie headed in the game-winner.
 
I immediately ran down to our sideline to congratulate the team. As Julie came over with teammate and fellow senior Skyler Mackey, both had tears in their eyes ("happy tears" as Skyler explained). It was a great moment that vaulted our team into first place with one regular season game remaining.
 
What could possibly be better than scoring a game-winning goal in overtime on Senior Night? As I talked with Associate AD Patrick Muffley and the coaches we noticed that Julie's boyfriend, who had made his way down to the field as well, dropped down on one knee and pulled out a ring.
 
Her teammates mobbed Julie and her new fiancée as I stood in amazement at what had just transpired. It was an amazing moment that I will always remember. As the excitement on the field raged on, head coach Brendan Faherty said that their focus would immediately need to shift on Sunday's game at UMass Lowell.
 
A victory over UMass Lowell was necessary in order to clinch the America East regular season title and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Once again, the game went into overtime. Once again, Julie scored the game-winner.
 
Julie's week: Two game-winning goals in overtime, a regular season title, a spot on the America East First Team and one memorable engagement. I can't wait to see what happens next.
 
Women's Soccer to Host Semifinal on Sunday
 
Speaking of what happens next… on Sunday the women's soccer team will host an America East semifinal game against the winner of tonight's UMass Lowell-Vermont match.
 
Game time is noon at LaValle Stadium so come out and support our amazing women as they begin the defense of their conference crown.
 


Cross Country Championships on Saturday
 
The first two America East championships are on the line this weekend as our men's and women's cross country teams compete on Saturday.
 
The men are looking for their third consecutive title while the women are seeking their first since 2012. Head coach Andy Ronan told me that he feels very good about both teams' chances going into the weekend. Juniors Cameron Avery and Vann Moffett lead the men's team while senior Annika Sisson and senior twin sisters Talia and Tiana Guevara pace the women.
 
As I told our staff at our all-department meeting last week, there is no reason that we can't win all six conference championships this fall. Let's get the first two on Saturday!
 

Big Weekend for Volleyball
 
Volleyball brings a 10-game winning streak and perfect 7-0 conference record into this weekend's home matches against New Hampshire and UMass Lowell.
 
The 10 consecutive wins represent the longest streak since 2007 when the Seawolves won 12 straight. Head coach Kristin Belzung has done an incredible job transforming our program's culture in less than two years. Come out to Pritchard this weekend and cheer on our volleyball team in their last two home regular season matches of the year as they look to cement their hold on first place.
 
Game times are Friday at 6:30 against New Hampshire and Sunday at 1 p.m. against UMass Lowell.

 
No. 15 Football Ready for No. 3 JMU
 
The football team is heading down to Harrisonburg, Virginia, with a purpose. Immediately after our 52-14 Homecoming win Saturday against Rhode Island, Chuck Priore told his team that they could enjoy it for "about 20 minutes." It was time to get focused on beating third-ranked James Madison.  
 
I really like the way that our team has approached this week. What I like most about it is that our approach hasn't changed a bit. Our team is 15-3 in the last 18 FCS games and Stony Brook is establishing itself as one of the premier teams in the CAA. That's what we have all worked toward, and I'm excited for the opportunity to make a massive statement on Saturday.
 
The game will be aired locally on SNY at 3:30 p.m. I can't wait!
 
As always, keep believing!
 
Warm regards,
 

Shawn