(Uniondale, NY) The Tigers faced the Nassau Lions for their official game of the season. Despite the weather and the team dealing with a number of injuries, they played tough and took it to the Lions. The game between the tigers and the lions never disappoints.  Every year when these two teams meet, the game is always hard fought and very physical.

Our defensive line, consisting of freshman captain Christina Schumchyk, Claire Anvelt, Halie Retterath and senior captain Hunter Wellford, held strong against Nassau containing them for most of the first half, with senior captain Stephanie Roberts making crucial saves behind them. Unfortunately Nassau was able to find the net twice in the first half and was ahead going into halftime with a lead of 2-0.  The tigers came out very defensively and tried to contain the attack of the Lions.  Midfielders Tabitha Sloane and Katie Amato covered a lot of ground during the almost unending attack on the Tigers defense.

In the second half the Tigers came out hard and ready to play. About half way through the second half, the midfield was able to transition the ball up to forward Katie Riecker, who held the ball until she found center midfielder Sehej Singh making a run toward the goal, who was fouled in the box, leading to the only PK of the game. Christina Schumchyk was chosen to take the kick, and she was able to capitalize on the opportunity making the score 2-1.  This sparked new llife into the team and the pressure was now on the Lions.  After the second half water break the game seemed like it was back to 0-0.

As the Tigers continued to fight, senior captain and center midfielder Katie Prinz suffered a shoulder injury and was unfortunately out for the rest of the game. Later in the half, the heat and number of injuries began to take its toll on the team and the Lions were able to find the back of the net once again, making the final score 3-1.

"The girls played well and stayed tough. I am proud of the way the played through their injuries and the heat. We know what we need to work on and will continue to work hard in practice," said assistant coach Brie Marquit. 

 As the season progresses so will the Tigers, and as a team they will only get better. Their next game will be Saturday September 17 vs. Anne Arundel at Howard CC in Baltimore Maryland.