Roberts Feels She Has More To Show With CCSU Women's LAX

July 9, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Many athletes look forward to their senior seasons. After years of hard work, they finally reach the top and have one last opportunity to shine. However, Cheshire High School lacrosse goalkeeper Ashley Roberts faced a different situation last spring. The Rams had graduated all six defensive starters, including two-year starter Christine Collins in goal. Roberts didn’t start playing the sport until her freshman year, but she would get her first chance to take charge between the pipes.
In the span of four months, she saw her life change significantly. Roberts became a consistent last line of defense for a unit that allowed 36 less goals (182 total) than the 2009 season. The Rams (15-6 record) placed runner-up to Daniel Hand in the Southern Connecticut Conference regular season and tournament, finishing 10th in the state.
“I was iffy about playing. I wasn’t even considering playing in college,” recalled Roberts. “This whole season changed my perspective on lacrosse. I feel I have a lot more potential to show.”
She will have four more years to build her skills. Roberts received late interest from Central Connecticut State University (Northeast Conference). She signed a Division I scholarship.
“I’m really excited about continuing my lacrosse career at the D-I level,” stated Roberts. “I think I’ll get the structure I need.”
Roberts had originally chosen to attend and play at Eastern University (St. David’s, Pa.). On Senior Night, her decision was announced alongside eight classmates. But, things changed soon thereafter. CCSU Head Coach Rachel Tringali visited Madison to watch Cheshire battle Hand for the SCC regular season crown on May 20. While the Tigers won 14-9 for the second time, Roberts’ play impressed the CCSU staff.
“The Central coach called me after seeing her play late in the season,” explained Cheshire Head Coach Dan Warburton. “I told Ashley and she liked what she heard from the coach.”
Roberts got a kick out of the fact that Warburton is a 2000 graduate of CCSU. He spent two years at Quinnipiac University and then transferred.
“I went to talk to the coach (Tringali) and she pulled me in. I loved the campus and felt comfortable there,” added Roberts. “I loved Eastern and was looking forward to playing D-III. But when the CCSU offer came along, I couldn’t pass it up.”
“I think it’s great,” Warburton added. “She wasn’t sure if she was going to play this year. She ended up loving it and wanted to continue playing.”
Roberts credits first-year assistant coach Megan Pappas, a 2006 CHS graduate and goalkeeper, for taking her to the next level. Pappas and Roberts share common ground, since both didn’t become full-time starters until their senior seasons. Pappas earned the position in 2006 and contributed heavily to a record-setting season. The Rams went unbeaten within the SCC, defeating Hand 11-6 in the Final. Pappas (18 saves) received MVP honors.
“Megan was great to have this year because she was a goalie. She has a lot of experience and played in big games for us,” said Warburton. “There was a big difference from Ashley in the start of the season to the end. I think Megan working with her on staying focused and being technical paid off.”
After CHS, Pappas played two seasons at Southern Connecticut State University.
“She talked to me about staying positive and that is how you play to your potential,” explained Roberts. “I have to give her all the credit. I had no idea up to that point. She taught me the structure of a goalie and how to move.”
Roberts was tested right off the bat. Cheshire dropped the opener 17-12 at Newtown (top seed in Division I), but rebounded in Simsbury. Defense was key to a 8-6 victory. The Rams jumped ahead 1-0, but were then held scoreless for nearly 24 minutes and trailed 4-2 at halftime. However, Cheshire erased that deficit in a 6-0 run (7-5). Simsbury cut the deficit in half and remained aggressive over the final 10 minutes. Roberts made nine saves for her first career win.
“It was important, especially in tight games,” reflected Warburton, of her consistency. “We had several games this year, where a couple goals here and there could have made a difference. Even games where we won by a couple goals, those games could be closer if Ashley doesn’t play well.”
Defense was a priority, starting in the pre-season. The new group developed synergy together. Senior Brittany Gladish was named All-State/All-SCC first team for the first time. Juniors Paige Pikulski and Alayna DePaolo (Most Improved Player) joined her on low defense. Sophomores Maria Blois (All-SCC second team) and Alexis Sansone produced key points at D-Wing. Junior Sofia Martone returned from a concussion to add key depth.
“Usually, you see growth in a defense where you have people returning,” explained Warburton. “We had an entirely new defense and for them to hold opponents to two-and-a-half to three goals less per game, was fantastic. The goalie is a big part of that.”
The Rams created an eight-game win streak. Cheshire beat Guilford three times, limiting the Indians to a goal (14-1) on May 18. In the SCC Final, they lost to Hand (14-8) for the second straight year. Darien eliminated them 21-4 in the Division I first round.
“I didn’t think we would get that far because we had so many new starters,” said Roberts. “I’m very proud of that. I proved to everyone that I could play goalie.”
Roberts grew up playing softball. But, when many of her friends chose lacrosse, she followed and was put into the goal.
“I’m definitely going to miss all the senior girls We were such a close team,” added Roberts. “I hope that I’ll have the same chemistry in college.”
CCSU had just one goalie this year. Erin Delancey started 14 games (5-9 record) as a sophomore.
“I’m excited about it,” stated Roberts. “Coach Tringali said that I could compete with her. I will have an opportunity to play and have to earn it.”
“Ashley’s growth, as a goalie, was big from junior to senior year,” added Warburton. “She has good size and is athletic. If she keeps working, she can be a solid goalie for them.”
Warburton hopes to get back to see her perform at CCSU. Classmates Katharine Eddy (Colby College-Waterville, Maine; All-American/All-State/All-SCC first team), Kailey Farrell (Monmouth University-West Long Branch, New Jersey; All-State second team/All-SCC first team), and Mariah McKechnie (Endicott College-Beverly, Mass.) will also play in college.
“I’ll have to look into who is playing,” said Warburton. “It would be nice to see Cheshire girls playing against each other. It is always fun to see them do well in college.”