Cardinals head into MCT

FIELD HOCKEY

By: Mike Molaro
   Candace Mains knew early on that there was something special about her Lawrence High School field hockey squad.
   Although the 3-7-2 record could’ve doused any enthusiasm fueled by early-season hopes, these Cardinals are the epitome of class. Instead of hanging their heads and feeling sorry for themselves, they refuse to accept any pity and continue to battle for the pride that comes with wearing the red and white.
   "These girls are very motivated," Mains said. "They all have a common goal of wanting to do well and succeed. They always want to practice longer and are always looking for ways to improve. They are determined to do well."
   With last Thursday’s home game against Princeton postponed with no makeup date scheduled, Lawrence closes its regular season by making up Tuesday’s rainout against Nottingham yesterday and hosting Hopewell Valley this afternoon.
   The wins obviously didn’t come as often as they would’ve liked, but the Cardinals are focused on closing the year on a high note and improving both as a team and as individuals.
   "Our record does not reflect the hard work and determination of these girls," added Mains. "They push themselves and want to succeed. That makes my job a lot easier when the girls are self-motivated. When our record doesn’t show the results of that hard work, I know how much it hurts them and how much they want it. I feel that and that’s when I need to push the girls and make sure they don’t get down. This is a special group of girls and they continue to battle and keep moving forward."
   Led by captains senior forward Sam Citron, junior forward Melissa Casale, and junior goalie Lisa Tamulis, Lawrence gives its coach everything it has from start to finish. There are no cutting corners when it comes to pride.
   "These girls have absolutely provided great leadership," Mains said. "We have a lot of girls who have stepped up and been leaders. Sam is our lone senior and she has really been there for us all the way."
   When the regular season concludes, the Cardinals jump right into the Mercer County Tournament, which begins Saturday. Although they aren’t one of the favorites, they’ll come to play—and their opponent should be ready to do the same.
   The Cardinals are seeded 10th in the MCT and visit 7th-seeded Hightstown in Saturday’s first round. The winner of that game faces the winner of 2nd-seeded West Windsor-Plainsboro North and 15th-seeded Nottingham on Oct. 26.
   "I want the girls to play well," added Mains. "Of course, they want to win. As long as the girls play their best, that’s all I ask. I want the girls to feel confident that they did their best and did all they could."
   The Cardinals have done that all season. They aren’t about to stop now.