As the weather starts to get cold, it means a couple of things: snow is coming and the fall sports season is over. As the winter season is just beginning, let’s take a look back at the fall sports teams and how they did in 2013.
The football team has had a lackluster year to say the best. After having their first bowl game last year, this year, they only have one win, which was the first game of the season at Plymouth State. However, you have to look on the bright side. A lot of underclassmen are seeing playing time, which gives the Spartans a positive outlook for the near future.
A team that was surprising this season was volleyball. They finished the season 3-3 in conference play and 10-14 overall. In post season play, they came back and defeated Lyndon, before falling to Colby-Sawyer. With only one senior on the team, look for them to get even better next year.
The men’s soccer team finished as the number one seed in the NAC, earning the right to host the playoffs. First year Head Coach John O’Conner led them past Lyndon, before they eventually fell to number four seeded Thomas College at home 2-0. Looking forward to next year, the team will have to find another goaltender to fill the void of senior Nate Koenemann. Whoever takes his spot has some big shoes to fill.
Field Hockey was the only sport this fall to pick up a NAC championship win. They finished the NAC a perfect 9-0. They then took down New England College and U-Maine Farmington in the quarter and semifinals, and then beat Saint Joseph’s of Maine in the NAC championship to advance to the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately, they fell to Utica 3-1 to end their season.
This team will look completely different next year, as they will graduate 10 seniors, almost the entire starting lineup. Shout outs to Rachel Preusser, Kristy Pinkham, Stephanie Bardell, Blake Wardwell and Shannon Burns for earning NAC first team all-conference honors.
As winter sports have begun, both the hockey teams are off to a great start. As of Saturday, the men’s ice hockey team is 3-0. The women’s ice hockey team is 3-3, but just as easily could be 4-1. They played Plattsburgh, ranked number one in the nation and lost 1-0, though they had plenty of chances to tie the game.
Women’s basketball opened the season with a 71-50 win over Framingham State. Senior Alyssa Leonard set the pace for the team as she had 16 points.The  Spartans went on to win the Farifiled Inn & Suites kick-off tournament. My prediction is that this team will be fun to watch this year.
Men’s basketball should follow suit and be a great team to follow this winter season. They have one of the most up-tempo offenses in division three.