The no. 2 ranked Hopkins Woman Soccer team improved to 7-0 on the season, as they cruised passed Washington College on their way to a 4-0 win, notching their first Centennial Conference victory of the year. Three separate players scored for the Blue Jays, while Washington contributed an own goal to complete the dominating performance by the Lady Jays.
Senior midfielder and forward Christina Convey scored first at the 15 minute mark by rebounding a deflected pass through the box. It was the third goal of the season for the senior who is tied for second all-time in assists at 15 and tied for 20th all-time in points with 47.
“I actually didn't know I was that high up; the last time I looked I was somewhere around ninth or tenth during last season,” Convey said. “I've never been the goal scorer but I like to make things happen, and it's good to see that it's paying off.”
Standout junior forward Hannah Kronick contributed the next goal at the 45 minute mark, giving Hopkins a 2-0 to conclude an exciting first half. Kronick has now notched a goal in three straight games as she has been on fire during her recent offensive hot streak. It was Kronick’s seventh goal of the season and earned her the honor of Centennial Conference Player of The Week for a second consecutive time.
Scoring was capped off in the second half by a Washington College goal at the 61st minute and a goal by freshman midfielder Vania Ludman. Ludman collected her first career goal with a big shot after a cross from freshman midfielder Meg Van De Loo.
“Scoring my first career goal was definitely exciting,” Ludman said. “It's always a great feeling knowing you're contributing to the success of your team.”
When asked about the team's impressive rank, she responded positively, citing the team's hard work and dedication.
“In order to keep our rank, I think our team will have to keep working hard and focus on playing one game at a time because our season has just begun,” Ludman said. The Blue Jays next game will be a non-conference match on the road at St. Mary’s College.
A bigger story with the team was Junior Hannah Kronick’s eighth selection as the Centennial Conference Player of the Week. Kronick finished the week with three goals combined verses Stevenson and Washington College.
“We have a lot of talent this year, bringing in a very large freshman class while also returning many experienced players,” Kronick said. “It has been important for us to realize that we do have all of this talent and we have to be confident in our abilities to not only compete with the best teams in the nation, but also to beat them.”
Hailing from Westfield, NJ, the junior superstar has become one of the best players in Hopkins history, as she is tied for first all-time with assists at 19, tied for second all-time in points at 105 and is third all-time in goals with 43. This is Kronick’s second straight week earning the selection. She is off to a great start, continuing to build off of her success from the past two seasons.
As a freshman, Kronick was named Second Team NSCAA All-Region, First Team ECAC All-South and First Team All-Centennial Conference. She set a school record for repeated games with a point, producing at least one point in the first 16 games of her career at Hopkins. Kronick also set school records for consecutive games with a goal.
During her sophomore campaign, Kronick was a D3soccer.com Third Team All-America and a NSCAA First Team All-Mid-Atlantic Region. Additionally, Kronick was Centennial Conference Player of the Year and set a Hopkins single-season record with 24 goals and 57 points, while setting a program record with 5 career and single-season hat tricks.
“Hannah is definitely a role model not only on the field but off it as well,” Ludman said. “Her hard work makes me want to improve every day.”
Not only the young stars look up to Hannah. Convey also commented on Kronick's passion and leadership.
“There isn't much to say about Hannah other than she always works hard and does everything she can to get a win for the team,” Convey said. “She always has her eyes on the goal and it's good to see her get recognition for it."
As Kronick continues her success, the Lady Jays will look to remain dominant on the field. “The key to our success for the rest of the season is to keep our foot on the pedal and to make sure we don't get complacent," Kronick said.
With the continuation of an undefeated season, there is no doubt that Hopkins is a definite contender for a national championship this year.
