While game skills and playing ability are often used to measure the quality of a team, experience can often make or break a close game.
The Virginia field hockey team, though mainly composed of freshmen and sophomores, benefits from the experience of its three seniors. Goalie Amy Desjadon, midfielder Lucy Meyers and back Inge Kaars Sijpesteijn are the leading players on this year’s team, and coach Michele Madison knows the value of that senior leadership to a team.
“I wish we had 15 seniors, but we only have three,” Madison said. “They are doing a good job leading the team, keeping the team in it.”
Desjadon, who recorded 52 saves in 2007, is aware of the significance of being a leader on the field.
“I think it is important not because of my age but more because of my experience,” Desjadon said. “I think just because from a goalie’s point of view you can see everything from behind.”
Perhaps the biggest measure of a player’s value to her team is the ability to make others around her better. Inspired by Meyers’ tenacious defense, the Cavaliers have only allowed an average of one goal per game this season.
“We have a group of leaders,” Meyers said, “so it’s good to lead by example because you are the older person that people are looking up to. Everyone steps up into the place they are supposed to be.”
While the Cavaliers have flourished as a team, the seniors have had their own memorable moments. Desjadon, who has played in all nine games this year, has a 0.78 goals against average this season. Most of Meyers’ biggest contributions rarely show up on the stat sheet, but she does have one goal on two shots this season. Sijpesteijn, a transfer from Michigan State in 2005, is second on the team with 9 goals scored.
Throughout their time as Cavaliers, the field hockey seniors have developed memories that could inspire them to pursue great success this season. One of Meyers’ most memorable moments occurred during last season’s ACC Tournament.
“This whole season has been good,” Meyers said. “Last ACC Tournament when we beat Boston College in overtime. That insured us into the NCAAs. That felt really good.”
Looking ahead to the postseason, the seasoned Cavaliers will have to help their younger peers prepare in hopes of recreating the success of last season, though it may be easier to lead by example as each of the seniors have hit their stride in previous postseasons. In 2007, Desjadon recorded a team-high with 13 saves in the ACC Tournament against UNC, Meyers finished the postseason ranked third on the team in defensive stats, and Sijpesteijn was chosen for the ACC All-Tournament Team for the second straight year.
The seniors are ready to pass their knowledge to the younger players.
“Whenever they have questions, we try and give our best answers to them,” Meyers said. “I think they have been coming along on their own great.”
With the postseason in their sights this season, the Cavaliers have a strong foundation from which to build. By harnessing their talent and experience, the team looks to continue its recent success in the postseason and ultimately compete for the national championship.
Read More
Virginia annihilated 41-14 in a must-win contest versus North Carolina
By Peter Kriebel | 11 hours agoJust about everything that could have gone wrong for Virginia football went wrong.
No. 24 women’s soccer not to be denied in late win over Clemson
By Sam Chun | 16 hours agoThe Cavaliers topped Clemson 1-0 in front of a packed out Klöckner Stadium.
Men’s soccer, totally discombobulated, capitulates early to No. 5 Pittsburgh
By Michael Liebermann | 17 hours agoPittsburgh set a program record for the quickest cluster of three goals.
