By Jonathan Sawyer
Sports Editor
St. Bonaventure women’s soccer team went 1-1 this past weekend, losing Friday to the Canisius Golden Griffins 4-2 and winning Sunday against the Niagara Purple Eagles 4-1. The win against the Purple Eagles was the Bonnies’ first of the season.
Freshman goaltender Lauren Malcolm has been the backbone of the team, saving 26 of 33 shots.
Malcolm said she was very nervous to be put in the starting role so young.
“The team, including the coaches I think, knew that would be the case, so they were all very supportive,” Malcolm said. “They made it clear they only wanted the best that I had to give. Now, I still get nervous, but I know that the team has my back no matter what.”
Head Coach Steve Brdarski said his young goaltender is always looking to improve herself.
“I think she has done a great job in training sessions and practices. She comes every day prepared to work. Some players you never know what you’re going to get out them, training wise. From her you’re always going to get 100 percent. She’s, from day one, been a catalyst in practice, never says no and wants to learn more,” Brdarski said. “She stepped up asking advice not only from coaches but from her teammates. A lot of players, it is hard for them to ask for help and she isn’t. She wants to be the best goaltender. I think she is fearless.”
Even though Malcolm has kept the Bonnies in games, she attributes her success to the team.
“We all rely on each other to keep one another level headed,” Malcolm said. “I know if a goal goes in there is always someone like Danielle Vis or Marley Jarvis there to run back and tell me to keep my head up and to stay in the game. At the same time, I try to be supportive to my team.”
Junior defensemen Sydney Cassagnol said a strong goalkeeper is essential for any team.
“I think Lauren [Malcolm] has more than proven herself so far this year,” Cassagnol said. “We all feel confident with her in the net, and she has made some huge saves at very crucial times for us. She is a hard worker and a committed athlete.”
With the starting goaltender from last year, junior Beth Moore, injured, Cassagnol said the team needs to keep Malcolm healthy and game ready.
“She goes through different goalkeeping drills and practices so that she can get training that is specific to her position,” Cassganol said. “In practice our assistant coach, Caty [Butler], has been alternating in goal with her during shooting drills so that [Malcolm] can rest. Our athletic training staff has done an amazing job of not only keeping [Malcolm] healthy but keeping us all healthy and game ready.”
Malcolm said she believes her team is getting better and better each week and game.
“As a team, we always talk about things we are doing well and things we can improve on. This allows us to be on the same page and hold each other to certain standards to accomplish a common goal,” Malcolm said.
Along with Malcolm’s play of late, the Bonnies’ defense has helped her out, Cassagnol said.
“We have worked on 1 v. 1 defending a lot in practice, especially during preseason and I think that has helped us shut down the attack of our competitors,” Cassagnol said. “On the occasion that one of us does get beat on the dribble or by a long ball, we have someone there that is ready to take over and defend.”
The Bonnies will look to continue their winning streak as they take on Youngstown State at 7 p.m. at the Marra Athletic Complex.
sawyerjp15@bonaventure.edu
