We have officially entered the competition vortex.
For the first — and hopefully last — time in our history, every one of our teams is competing at the same time. Managing the logistical twists and turns has been a challenge, but we are more than up to the task. I wake up each day excited about where we are as a department because we've planned and prepared for this moment.
Our student-athletes have done everything that we have asked and sacrificed a great deal in order to practice and compete. I believe their efforts will be rewarded as we chase down championships during the next few weeks and months. There is so much joy in our building as teams return to competition. It's been a long time coming, and we're ready to win.
With each passing day, we are that much closer to returning to normal. A major part of that is bringing fans back into our venues. I want to do everything I can within the established guidelines to have fans. It has been beyond bizarre watching our basketball teams in an empty Island Federal Arena. We are working with campus leadership on plans and hope to have guidance very soon. Believe me when I tell you that we are missing the energy that our fans bring — and we need it back!
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the support I have felt from President McInnis since her arrival last summer. She has been an advocate for our return to competition and, despite her busy schedule, has cheered on our basketball teams inside Island Federal Arena. I'm excited for her to experience the energy of a home game when we return for the 2021-22 season!
Basketball: A Story of Schedule Changes
One of the craziest aspects of this basketball season has been the constant scheduling shuffle. I give so much credit to our student-athletes for rolling with the adjustments because, in addition to the uncertainty over who we play, there has always been the question of whether we play. Our teams have been testing three times per week while playing an unusual back-to-back scheduling format during America East play. All the while they have focused on what they could control.
With all of the curveballs thrown their way this season, we threw one more Wednesday when the America East ADs decided to end the regular season early and adjust the playoff format. While our men were scheduled to conclude the regular season next week at Maine (which ended up last week canceling its season), they instead will travel to one of two playoff pods to open the postseason. Although our record is not what we expected it to be, I am proud of how hard our team competed in both games at Vermont last weekend. We are capable of beating anyone, and I know our guys will be hungry in the final regular-season games at Albany this weekend.
The women will wrap up the regular season at home with games against Albany on Monday and Tuesday before hosting a quarterfinal game on Sunday, Feb. 28. After last year's historic season was cut short one day before the America East title game, our women are excited for the opportunity to finish what they started. I can't wait!
Lacrosse Gets Rolling!
Our lacrosse teams both returned to the field last weekend for the first time since their seasons were cut short last March. The No. 5 women were supposed to open against Villanova today, but when the Wildcats went on pause and the opportunity to take No. 1 North Carolina presented itself, we had to figure out how to make it happen. After a hectic day (and night) spent figuring out logistics, Joe Spallina and his team were off to Chapel Hill. Although we didn't come away with the win, our team will only continue to get stronger.
In the spirit of the crazy scheduling, we just added a home game against USC on Tuesday at noon. Ironically, we were supposed to travel to USC last March when the season stopped.
The men earned a dominant 20-8 victory over Sacred Heart in the opener on Saturday. Redshirt freshman Dylan Pallonetti scored six goals and earned an assist on his way to being named to the first USILA Team of the Week of 2021. Even in an empty LaValle Stadium, the positive energy was bursting on the sidelines. I'm excited for Anthony Gilardi and his guys. It's going to be a fun year!
On Deck: Softball, Women's Soccer and Cross Country
Three more teams will begin competition this weekend: softball will travel to Rock Hill, S.C., to compete in the Winthrop Kickoff Tournament; women's soccer will take a much shorter trip across Long Island to battle Hofstra on Sunday; cross country will run at New Hampshire in preparation for the first conference championship of the season, which will take place on March 5.
I will have more to share in the coming weeks as football is locked in on a strong spring season and baseball looks to defend its America East title.
It's go time. Let's make it one for the history books.
Keep believing!
Shawn
