Completed Event: Women's Soccer at St. John's on September 24, 2025 , Tie , 1, to, 1
Women's Soccer
at St. John's
Final
1
-
1
Providence College Athletics
Women's Soccer Non-Conference Recap
9/23/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 23, 2014
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -
The Providence College women's soccer team has concluded their non-conference schedule and had the chance to reflect on their season to date. Head Coach Sam Lopes, junior Catherine Zimmerman (Madison, N.J.) and senior Alexia Shea (Brewster, N.Y.) sat down for questions on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Head Coach Sam Lopes
What are your initial impressions of the season so far?
We've accomplished a tremendous amount and are much further along than anticipated. The team deserves all of the credit as they have embraced the new voice, different ideas and the philosophy on how things are done on a daily basis. I am really proud of the culture we're building, the confidence and self-belief that exists amongst the group and certainly the overall play on the field has been fantastic.
How do you feel about the growth of the team during the non-conference games?
I am very pleased to this point but certainly not surprised as they're a talented group. We established certain goals during this stretch and for the most part, we met them. I was familiar with the group coming in so I was well aware of their potential and it's great to see them flourish. The group is connected, have an incredible bond, are on the same page and beyond motivated. I'm excited to see how much growth can occur going forward.
What was your favorite moment of the non-conference season?
Watching the team celebrate a well-deserved OT win at UMass. It was great to see them embrace each other for their efforts and certainly watching Kristyn Shea gallop 100 yards to join the group was the icing on the cake.
Is there a turning point in the season that stands out to you?
No, not really. The turning point happened on April 10th with the group and ever since then it has been a rewarding journey.
What is your proudest moment on and off the field?
On the field there have been too many to single one out. Off the field was when both Lia Bellizzi and Rachel Morrier cut their hair and donated to Locks of Love at the Target Cancer event last weekend. We attended the event to support alum Amanda Webster and her family. It was great to see the team support one of their own members who once wore the shirt and what both Bellizzi and Morrier did, just speaks volumes about them as a people.
What is the most difficult time of the season for you?
Difficult times for me is when I feel helpless and can't help one of my players during a trying time whether it's on the field after they have given an honest effort or off with personal matters.
What areas does the team need to continue to improve upon?
Everything to be honest. Yes, we have done very well but truth is we enter a new season with BIG EAST play. We have to remain humble and hungry while striving to be better. The expectations are higher for our program now so we need to take advantage of opportunities daily. Each day we have to build upon our identity so we can be proud of our collective efforts when the final whistle blows.
How has it been being back at PC, but this time in the Head Coach position?
Awesome!! One of the best decisions I made was to come back to Friartown! I am blessed, with no complaints. Providence is home for me, it's where I belong surrounded by so many great people! Certainly, being very familiar with the team made the transition much easier and more exciting but I love PC, the people that make it so great and especially my team as they are my motivations each day!
What was your favorite moment of the non-conference season?
My favorite moment of the non-conference season was after we conceded a goal against Fordham. It would have been easy for us to put our heads down and feel sorry for ourselves, but we knew how well we were playing and as a team we had the confidence that if we continued to play the way we were playing we would get a goal and tie the game. It took us less than 5 minutes to come back and get a goal. Our reaction, response and confidence was outstanding and it's what we need to bring every single game we play.
What are some of your thoughts on the season so far?
My thoughts on the season so far are great. While there is always room for improvement, each day we have been growing individually as people and players, which translates onto the field. We have dominated each and every game we've played and although we did not get the results we would have liked at times, our confidence and ability on the field has been great and will only continue to get better.
Heading into BIG EAST play, what will be important for the team to continue being successful?
Heading into BIG EAST play it will be important for us to just be consistent. The past few months have shown tremendous growth as a team on the field, so if we continue to play as a team, keep possession, take advantage of our scoring opportunities and defend to our best ability, there is nowhere to go but up. As long as we are consistent with our actions on the field and our recovery and decisions off the field we will have continued success in the BIG EAST.
How do you feel about the offense's growth?
Scoring goals is never easy, but offensively we are growing each game and doing our best to take advantage of our opportunities. What sticks out to me the most is that our offense has really started to play as one. We've grown to know each other's tendencies and strengths so that we can play into them, but more importantly play together. With combinations, give and goes, through balls, etc. our passing in the final third has improved, along with our decision-making. What makes our attack so special is that it's not just our offense getting forward. Our midfield and defense has the confidence and the ability to get forward and become part of the attack which makes us even more dynamic and dangerous. We defend and attack as a team and that leads to our success.
What were the biggest challenges the team faced?
When we faced a few disappointing results I think our teams' confidence and trust in each other were challenged. Even though some results did not go our way, we had to stay together and trust the direction we were going. We knew that the process would eventually lead to the results we knew we deserved. In addition to that, our team's confidence and belief in our skills and abilities, were tested with each unfavorable result. Fortunately for us, because of this adversity we have grown tremendously as a team in non-conference play.
What factors do you believe contributed most to the team's successes through non-conference play?
Our willingness and ability to adapt to a new system and style of play has allowed us to be successful through the non-conference season. The team's consistent commitment to improve every day has contributed to our success as well. We remain motived to become better every day and maximize our opportunities. Lastly, our team has built a strong sense of togetherness and unity on and off the field.
What are some of the changes you have seen from preseason till now?
From preseason till now, we have grown a lot as a team and as individuals. Our team has established our identity and style on the field. We now give complete performances from the first 15 minutes of the game to the last 15 minutes of the game. We have more confidence in ourselves and respond with character and more faith on the field when a play doesn't go our way. In preseason we talked about who we wanted to be and began the process. Now, we are in full swing of it.
How do you feel about the defense's growth?
I think the teams' defensive growth is night and day from where we were first day of preseason to where we are now defensively. Everything has improved from our organization to our tactical positioning for box defending. The strong chemistry and communication throughout our backline has really made it difficult for teams to break us down. Not only has our defense improved in the back, but our midfield and forward's defensive efforts has made it easier for us as a team to read and intercept passes.
-Go Friars-
Players Mentioned
M
/ Women's Soccer
F/M
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
F/M
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's SoccerWomen's Soccer vs Marquette
Wednesday, October 22
Women's Soccer vs Xavier
Saturday, October 18
Women's Soccer vs Creighton
Saturday, October 11
Women's Soccer vs Seton Hall
Saturday, October 04
