On Sunday, Sept. 22, the LIU Women’s Soccer team took on reigning Northeast Conference (NEC) champions, Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). In their first conference home game, sophomore Stephanie Schubert and senior Grace Henning found the back of the net to defeat the Blue Devils 2-1.
Going into conference play, the Sharks had an overall record of 1-5 and CCSU was ranked number one in the NEC preseason poll.
After a scoreless first half, the Sharks knew they had to turn it around in the second. Stephanie Schubert scored the first goal to make it 1-0 and junior Izzy Stein found Henning across the field to quickly make it 2-0.
“I think when Steph [Schubert] scored that first goal in the second half, we were all very excited and the momentum of the game really changed. Then when I scored it was two to zero which felt really good,” said Henning.
The Blue Devils were not ready to give up, they answered with a goal to make it 2-1 but could not finish for the rest of the game.
Senior captain Gina Proviano talked about the team’s big win and the surprise it sent to the conference.
“We really did shock the conference. No one would have thought we’d have this win,” said Proviano.
With a tough first-half schedule, facing teams such as Boston College, New Hampshire and UAlbany, the Sharks were tested going into their conference play.
“We played five or six really tough games and I think it prepared us because losing was not the best feeling but playing those good games and watching the film on them really prepared us,” said Proviano.
The Sharks have defeated two other opponents in their conference, the Le Moyne Dolphins and Chicago State Cougars, improving their record to 3-0 in conference play.
Henning and Proviano discuss the team’s goals and mindset for the remainder of the season.
“Definitely not losing,” Proviano said. “No game is an easy game in the conference. We need to go into every single game just getting those three goals and holding a shutout so we’re securing that win.”
“We want to be known as the underdogs, we were ranked sixth in the preseason polls so not letting that get to our heads and then show everyone up and prove them wrong this season,” Henning said.
The team will play in North Eaton, Mass. against Stonehill on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 3:30 p.m. for their next conference game.
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