This fall, the Suffolk University women’s soccer team is making a strong start to their season with a record of 6-1-1. After their draw against Lesley University Sept. 17, freshman Sinclaire Hart was named the Rookie of the Week for her performance, which included scoring the team’s only goal.
Hart is a midfielder from Keswick, Virginia, currently majoring in biology. She spoke to her performance against Lesley, saying her goal helped with the outcome, but so did her team’s dynamic on the field.
“We were steady, we started strong and kept that momentum throughout the game. Lesley was a good team, so it was good to have a competitive matchup,” said Hart.
Hart mentioned that this game was especially important, as Lesley is one of the more competitive teams they face.
About receiving the Rookie of the Week award, Hart said it felt great, especially because another freshman on the team, Mackenzie Metka, had also just received it a week prior.
Hart gave recognition to her team, as well as her coaching staff for making her and the other incoming freshmen feel welcomed.
“A lot of the other players have helped calm nerves, and also brought clarity to certain things we’ve never experienced from playing on a collegiate team,” said Hart.
Head coach Ellin McDougall spoke about Hart’s performance and how that resulted in her earning the title of Rookie of the Week, saying that she had a direct impact on the outcome of the match against Lesley.
“She is an extremely hard worker helping us control the middle of the field,” said McDougall. “Her goal was a direct correlation to her hard work and efforts.”
McDougall talked about how that was Hart’s first collegiate goal and how it really helped dominate the middle of the field.
“Hart helped us dictate the pace and flow of the game,” said McDougall.
When asked about Hart’s performance in general throughout the season, McDougall said that Hart’s best attribute is her work ethic.
“She works extremely hard, which has led her to finding success on the field so far,” said McDougall. “I am looking forward to watching her grow.”
McDougall said this is the most hard-working and competitive team in her tenure here at Suffolk yet.
“Their hard work as a group has led to their early success. I am excited to watch the group keep growing and evolving as the season goes on,” said McDougall.
Looking forward to the rest of the season, both Hart and McDougall said they are looking forward to facing off against more competitive teams. McDougall said she’s most excited to get into conference play, as she wants the team to be tested against the best.
“If we want to be the best, we must beat the best,” said McDougall. “I am also excited to watch the team continue to work, grow, and connect over the remainder of the season.”The Rams will face their next match against Rivier University Oct. 2 as they fight to come back from a 4-0 loss to the University of New England Sept. 28.
