Box Score On Saturday September 7, 2019 the FIT Tigers played Pace University on FIT's home turf.  It was the season opener for the Tigers, who have five returning players from the previous season.  They currently have mostly incoming freshmen for this season.  Nerves were extremely high as the Tigers were getting a late start to the season due to the first few games being cancelled. With the Tiger's nerves high they took most of the first half to settle down. Unfortunately, sophomore, captain, Domenica Romo was forced to sit out due to a red card from the previous season.  She is a key player on the field, as she led the defensive line last year.  Thankfully, captain Sarah Iannella stepped up and held the back line tight. Iannella and the remaining captain, Gabrielle L'Insalata who was our leading goal scorer last year both played a full 90 minutes. They took on their roles to really carry the team through the game and be a strong voice of communication on the field.  

The first half, freshman goal keeper Gianna Nepola made 9 incredible saves, and kept Pace University from running the score higher than 2-0 by the end of 45 minutes.  In addition, Mary-Addison Davis prevented another goal from happening during a corner kick from the Setters. As Pace fired in a cross off this corner kick Nepola made an initial save, however, the ball got away from her.  This fumbling ball fell to a Pace's striker. Davis held her position and was able to block and then clear the incoming shot. 

The coaches utilized their full 10 minutes at half time to correct small mistakes, and to ease frustrated minds.  The first 10 minutes of the second half were spectacular, as the Tigers came out hungry for some goals.  Morgan Smith fired a promising shot from the 18-yard box, but just grazed the front post knocking the ball out of play.  Gianna Nepola made another 8 amazing saves in the second half, but ultimately the Tigers fell to the Setters 3-0.  The coaches were understanding of the outcome due to this being the first game together as a team, but are hopeful and excited to build from this and use it as a learning experience.  The Tigers are traveling to Maryland this upcoming weekend to take on both Anne Arundel Community College and Howard Community College, Saturday and Sunday respectively.  They will use this week to grow and strengthen in practices to increase the team chemistry and endurance.