The Hopkins women’s lacrosse team entered last Saturday’s contest with a five-game winning streak.
The Lady Jays welcomed UC Davis to Homewood Field in the first ever meeting between the two squads.
Unfortunately for the Aggies, the Hopkins roster included junior attackman Jenna Reifler.
The Baltimore native started the game with an assist, less than two minutes into action.
She would finish where she started, assisting on the final goal of the day for Hopkins. Sandwiched in between her skillful passing were an additional four instrumental goals. The standout ended her day with a career-high six points.
Reifler’s skill on offense helped power the Lady Jays to a 15-5 victory over UC Davis.
Reifler was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer several questions for The News-Letter.
The News Letter: Throughout the game, the team overpowered UC Davis. The Aggies never really stood much of a chance as the team opened up the game on an 11-0 run. What worked well for you personally in the game this past weekend?
Jenna Reifler: I think the collective team effort was what worked well in our UC Davis game. Everyone was working together and playing very unselfishly which created a lot of opportunities for all of us.
N-L: Every year at Hopkins, you have continued to improve as a player on the field. What have you been working on individually to help improve your game?
JR: I’ve been concentrating on several things to help improve my game. I am always working to improve my shooting. I also am always doing my best to keep a clear mind, even after I make mistakes.
N-L: The team faced some struggles earlier in the year. How have you all been able to turn it around?
JR: Because we’re such a young team — in the beginning of the year we were still learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses and finding ways to mesh well together. We’ve learned a lot from our two losses and now that everyone realizes our team’s potential this year we are playing with more confidence and trust in one another.
N-L: What are some focuses you have moving forward, both as a team and individually?
JR: There are several focuses I have moving forward. At this point in the season, I think it is important to focus on one game at a time. Most importantly, the team wants to continue winning through May and into the NCAA tournament.
N-L: Do you have any pre-game rituals that help you get focused or ready for the game?
JR: I’m not too superstitious about pre-game rituals, but I always make sure to have a catch with Jen Cook before heading out to play!
The Jays will continue to look to extend their winning streak next week as they host Stony Brook at home. The Lady Seawolves sit in several national polls ranked in the top ten. Currently undefeated, Hopkins will surely be motivated to help end Stony Brook’s perfect season.
As long as Jen Cook can help keep up the pre-game routine, look out for Reifler helping to lead the charge against the Seawolves on April 7 at Homewood Field.
Her adept scoring will surely play a pivotal role in this key midseason matchup.
