This past weekend, the URI Club Field Hockey team attended our national championship tournament in Virginia Beach. With 72 teams from all over the country, the competition was fierce and the games were fast-paced. Our team stepped up to the challenge and demonstrated great determination and intensity throughout the weekend.

Our first game of the tournament was at 7 a.m. against the University of Auburn. While the whole team worked as a unit to hold off the War Eagles for most of the hour, sophomore Olivia Frabotta and freshman Lauren Cascarina especially put on incredible performances. Frabotta dominated the right side of the field, taking strong shots and consistently bringing the ball into our offensive circle. Cascarina offered excellent ball control, with several breakaways and turnovers throughout the game. In a tough fight, we fell to Auburn 1–0.

Our second game was against Virginia Commonwealth University. Goalie, sophomore Emily Fuller, put on a stellar showing. She saved a penalty stroke in the first half against VCU and dominated in our circle, blocking every shot throughout the game. Senior defender Brooke Lavigne helped keep VCU out of our defensive circle for the majority of the game, consistently driving the ball up the field. In the last minute, Grace Baker scored a game-winning penalty stroke, giving us a 1–0 victory over VCU.

With three other games throughout the day, the team executed and connected well on the field. Other notable performances were exhibited by Toni Frietas, who consistently showed technical control and speed, along with senior captain Colleen Saunders, who was a force on defense.

Placing third in our division, our team demonstrated connection and determination in Virginia, putting on a strong performance overall. The national tournament was a great way to build skills and bond, allowing us to compete against teams we matched up well with and would not typically play during the regular season. Not only did we grow in our field hockey abilities, but we also grew closer as a team. With a 12-hour bus ride, the squad got to know each other well. 

My experience

With our final week of practices approaching, my field hockey career, along with the four other seniors, will conclude this upcoming Sunday, April 26th, at our Senior Game against Brown College. Being the captain of this team for the past 2 years has been one of the greatest joys of my college career. Field hockey has been an outlet for me to continue to play my sport competitively with a group of girls that I love. Because I tried out for the team the first week of my freshman year, I have not had a college experience without the URI Club Field Hockey Team. 

The practice planner position is essentially the coach of the team. This position requires planning and leading each practice, lift, and workout, game strategies, and making the starting line up. Being the practice planner has fostered personal growth. Facilitating practices has given me the ability to see the game of field hockey in a completely different light. Not only has it fostered growth on the field, but in my character. At first, it was intimidating to lead a team of 24 girls. Stepping into the role at the end of my sophomore year, I found it difficult to be at the head of a team of girls who were mostly older than me. Once I learned that I must put the team’s needs before my personal fears and hesitations, I was able to confidently lead and begin creating practices that I knew would benefit us as a whole. I have to credit my ability to be an effective captain to the most upbeat team of girls that I could ask for. The team is incredibly eager to work hard and try new things, making each practice fun and productive. 

As I reflect on my experience with this group of girls, I can only look back with pride and gratitude. The team has worked so efficiently, both fall and spring semesters, to not only win games, but support one another. It has been a privilege to lead this incredible team of girls and be a part of something so meaningful throughout my college career.

By Erin Mullaney

Major: Political Science 

Graduating May 2026