FALL BALL FROM A FIRST YEARS EYES

As two of the five first year players on the Woman’s Lacrosse team at Randolph College, we, Carrie McCane and Taylor Riccardi, described the 2012 fall ball season as a success! Being first years, the nerves one feels before their first college game are like no other. Four short weeks of practice had all come down to this. Knowing that the you’re up against is a division one club, a division two team, and two strong division three teams made us more up for the challenege of the day. Our coach, as well as, our teammates had warned us about the size of other teams, but actually seeing and playing against them was shocking. :)

All of that stress and anxiety had vanished when I stepped onto that turf. As the whistle blew, every fear had faded away. We were in the zone. Of course I still felt the pressures of impressing my teammates and making Coach Wagner proud, but the overall experience of my first college game was amazing. It was terrifying and exhilarating and everything I hoped it would be.

Despite having three injured teammates, for us it was a learning experience. I was able to see where my weaknesses were as well as what work I need to put in during the off season. I was about to see how the team works together and what I need to do on a personal level in order to play to my best ability with my teammates.

Fall ball allowed me to dip my toes in the water of college lacrosse in a more relaxed setting. I also think that the experience showed me the importance of putting time into the sport we love. My favorite part of the entire fall ball process was growing as a family with my team.

Coach Wagner is always talking about how tight we are but actually playing through the four week season you get to experience it firsthand, how much we are a family not only on the field but also off. You get a preview of what the season has to offer. Fall ball opens your eyes to how your teammates play, how your coaches coach, and how much work you as a player need to put into your game. We are both VERY excited for an amazing 2013 season this spring!


-Carrie McCaine '16 & Taylor Riccardi '16

2012-2013 Randolph College Women's Lacrosse Team

Missing: Ashley Stevens & Sarah Reed