The fall semester is always exciting as it represents the start of a new school year. New faces roam the campus, while returning students get back into their usual routines. However, Eastern’s fall sports, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Soccer, and Cross Country are the reason for excitement on campus.
Men’s Soccer
Coach Mark Wagner is ready to lead the Eastern Eagles to another successful season. The Eagles went 15-4 with an impressive conference record of 6-1. With the loss of Eric Giovagnoli and Benjamin Barnhart, can the Eagles continue to play at the same level as last season? Giovagnoli and Barnhart combined, accounted for 24 of the 46 goals last season. On the other hand, the Freedom Conference picked the Eagles to finish first this season; therefore, the league knows what they have to look forward to this season.
Women’s Soccer
The 2015 season will be promising for Women’s Soccer as they try to put last season behind them. The Eagles finished the season 5-14 and in conference play they went 2-5. The team was certainly young last season, yet several players emerged as leaders on the field. Third year forward, Emily Cole, had a fantastic 2014 season, so look for her to have another breakout season. She started 18 out of 19 games and had a team leading nine goals. Another Eagle who had a great season was second year midfielder Alondra Cervantes. She started all 19 games, finishing the season with three goals and three assists. Cervantes was also named Freedom Rookie of the Year and was selected to the Freedom Conference Second Team. The Eagles open up at Neumann University (9/1) looking to open up the season with a win.
Field Hockey
Eastern’s Field Hockey team is looking to make the post-season as they missed it the past two seasons. Last, season they finished with a record of 7-11. Players to watch this season are Megan Bolton, Alyssa Rowe, Danielle Frasca, Lauren Gay, and Jennifer O’Neill. These ladies are entering their last season, so look for them to have a great season. Look for Bolton to lead the Eagles in goals again this season, as last season she led the club with eight goals. The Eagles open up season against Montclair State (9/1).
Volleyball
A new season starts for the Eagles dominating Volleyball team. Legendary coach Mark Birtwistle looks to lead the Eagles to another Conference Championship. The team finished the 2014 season 31-6, with an impressive conference record of 7-0. The key to the Eagles success last season was making fewer errors than the opposition. They also totaled more kills than their opponents, outscoring them 1651 to 1155. Look for Senior Rikki Schlager to have a great season as she put up amazing numbers last season. The Eagles open up against Muhlenberg College on Sept. 1st.
Cross Country
A new season is here for Cross Country and the team is ready to begin running. On Sept. 5 the Eagles will run in the Dutchmen Invitational. Following that will be the Mustang Stampede on Sept. 12.
Image courtesy of Erica Engle / The Waltonian