Shortly after the St. Joe’s women’s lacrosse team won 19-7 over La Salle University at home on April 14, the Hawks began a Senior Day tribute, honoring all senior Hawk players on the team.
Senior attacks Francesca Donato and Rebecca Lane, senior midfielders Sinead Brierley and Hayley Sabol and senior defender Ally Beck were all honored.
Head Coach Alex Kahoe said this occasion inspired the team to leave everything they had on the field.
“It was a special experience with it being the seniors’ last time to play on Sweeney Field,” Kahoe said. “I think there was a little extra spark in the air, a little extra fight, in terms of [the team] having the seniors’ backs.”
According to Sabol, the sentimental day began when the team surprised the seniors before the game, decorating the locker room.
“It didn’t really sink in until we first walked into the locker room and saw that all of our teammates decorated it,” Sabol said. “During the game, it really hit home that it was going to be our last time on Sweeney when our coach told us at halftime that there were 30 minutes left. I think that’s when we really kicked it into high gear and left it all out there.”
The team celebrated their seniors with the same energy they exuded on the field after the game, according to Sabol. She said that being honored alongside her teammates, family and friends was a truly special experience.
“It was a bittersweet moment,” Sabol said. “I was very thankful that my whole family could be here and I had my second family, my team, here with me as well, so it was a very emotional moment.”
Brierley echoed Sabol’s sentiment, saying the atmosphere reflected the support she has felt over her four-year collegiate career.
“It was amazing, and I cannot thank [our family, friends, and fans] enough,” Brierley said. “They have been there with us through every up and down, every moment for the past four years, pushing me and the team to always give it my all.”
Brierley also said it was a surreal moment to look back on her achievement as an athlete at St. Joe’s.
“Today when I heard my name being called, it all hit me at once,” Brierley said. “I just realized that all my hard work paid off, and it’s an unreal feeling, because being a Division I athlete is not an easy feat.”
Reflecting on Senior Day in light of these past four years, Kahoe said this group of five seniors has set a new standard for St. Joe’s women’s lacrosse.
“I have loved seeing this group of seniors grow and develop,” Kahoe said. “They have really helped establish the foundation for the program. As we continue to take the program to the next level, that Atlantic 10 Championship, this class specifically has really helped make a difference in helping push the team in that direction.”
This senior group netted three 7-2 regular season conference record years, and three third place finishes in the A-10 Tournament over the past three years. Kahoe said they deserved being honored for these achievements.
“They all came in and were willing to work hard and really trust us as a staff,” Kahoe said. “They gave it their all, putting their heart and hustle out there at all times.”
