HEADstrong to Take on Anyone


This past weekend the Panthers played in the HEADstrong tournament, held at Hofstra University. Participating teams included: Hofstra, Adelphi, Catholic, Central Connecticut State, LIU Post, Iona, LIU Brooklyn, Manhattan, NYAC, Stony Brook and Villanova.

The tournament is played in honor of Hofstra men's lacrosse player Nick Colleluori. 

In April 2005, Colleluori was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a blood cancer affecting the lymphatic system. The doctor's told Colleluori he would only live for 3-months, however he fought everyday to live for 14 months with this terrible cancer. 

Nick Colleluori while battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Photo c/o headstrongfoundation.org

"Since 2006, the HEADstrong Foundation has raised more than $3.7 million to help find a cure for the disease that took Nicholas' life" (headstrongfoundation.org) 

In preparation for the tournament, the girls sold awareness t-shirts around campus to spread the message and help raise even more money. 

Upon arrival, the Panthers did not look their best. In their first game against Catholic University, they looked a little tired, out of sorts, and were not capitalizing on plays. Although they ended with a win, the coaches were not pleased with their performance.

During the tournament, Mrs. Colleluori, Nick's mother, made a speech delivering Nick's struggle and dreams for what the HEADstrong foundation would become. During the speech, teams selected someone to be the recipient of the Relentless Award. For the Adelphi Panthers, goalkeeper Taylor Hayes was selected for her commitment to the team and her tireless efforts on the field. 

In the next three games, the girls began to look better. They were hustling more and possessing the ball better, finishing with a 4-0 record. However, they clearly need to grow more as a team. "We are not striving to win. We are striving for perfection. And we were far from our goal today. Though we posted a winning record, it felt like a loss. We can only go up from here" says grad-assistant Meg Brown. 

The Adelphi Women's Lacrosse Team at the HEADstrong tournament at Hofstra.

To donate to this amazing cause, please click here. 

Le-Hi and Bye!

It has been an eventful few weeks for the Adelphi women's lacrosse team! This past weekend, the Panthers competed in their first fall ball tournament at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.

2.5 hours on the bus to Lehigh University, the girls jammed out to Avril Lavigne

Being the only Division II team participating in the tournament, the Panthers were looking forward to some great DI competition. Playing three full running-time games, they played Temple, Saint Joseph's and hosting team Lehigh.

In their first game against Temple, the Panthers looked like they needed some work. They looked tired in the beginning and were turning over the ball too much to keep up with Temple's fast paced offense. But with no lack in hustle, they were able to stay tied with the Division I team until the very end, ending at 6-6. 

Coach Rob Grella giving the girls some feedback after their first game. 

As the day continued, the girls seemed to loosen up and play better. Northeast-10 Rookie of the Year Rachel O'Brien led the attack along with All-American Devan Crimi. Running a free-lance offense, the girls kept their feet moving and moved off ball every time they had a possession. 

On the defensive end, backer Lauren Janelli kept the unit together. The Panthers are notorious for a impenetrable zone defense, where there is one defender running at the girl with the ball and a backer (Janelli) to pick off passes. 

Their first tournament with the 2014 team, the girls were happy to learn how some of their teammates played in a real game. Going home with no losses, the Panthers considered the tournament a good day and an even better growing experience. 

The Panthers after their tournament at Lehigh University 

Up next for the Panthers is the HEADstrong Tournament, held at Hofstra University in Hempstead. For more about Nick Colleluori's story and the foundation that has tried tirelessly to spread the word about blood cancer, click here. 

The Eye of the Panther

After losing the Northeast-10 Conference title for the first time in four years to the LeMoyne Dolphins, the Adelphi Panthers were looking forward to redemption when playing them in the outer-bracket game of the NCAA tournament. And redemption did they get. After rallying back from a five goal deficit to defeat the Dolphins in the final minute of play, the Panthers were headed to the NCAA Final Four. 

The women's lacrosse team after their win over LeMoyne 9-8.

The Panthers traveled to Owings Mills, Maryland the next week to compete at Stevenson University. Their opponents: cross-town rivals and #1 ranked Division II Team, LIU Post. 

Just one year earlier, LIU Post knocked out Adelphi from the Final Four, so the Panthers gave everything they had to leave with a win. Battling for every ground ball, draw control, and limiting turnovers, the Panthers stayed "evenly matched" with the Pioneers. 

The team being coached before the game.

However, the Panthers went home without what they went there for; a national title. Losing by one in the last five seconds of the game, the Panthers ended their season at 18-3. With the 2013-2014 starting up, the Lady Panthers are looking at the upcoming season as one of retaliation and triumph.

With the exception of stellar defender, Katie Ciaci and sharp-shooter Sara Sangiorgio, the Panthers have most all of their team returning. 

As fall ball ensues, they are practicing three times a week as well as conditioning once a week. 

Members of the team are also looking forward to their fall ball tournaments: Lehigh and Hofstra's HEADstrong. For more information on the HEADstrong foundation, click here.

Photos c/o aupanthers.com