Ethan Magoc: Freshman defenseman Kellie Avery passes the ball up the field in the Lakers’ 4-2 loss to The Mercyhurst College field hockey team started off the season on a low note, with a 1-4 start.

The Lakers recently went winless in their first two-game home stand, falling to Millersville University 4-2, and Bellarmine University 2-1.

Despite the results, the Lakers have been looking at the little successes from each game and are seeking to improve.

“We are on track for success,” said Coach Stacey Gaudette, “We have a set list of goals for ourselves this year and everyone is working to improve.”

The Lakers have various objectives for themselves this year, such as scoring a goal in each game and having a certain amount of corners per game.

“From someone looking at us from the outside they may not see it, but we feel that we are improving in a number of different areas,” Gaudette said.

Junior Serena Slattery has certainly bought into this positive attitude.

“I feel like we are right on track to accomplishing our goals. We are getting there a little bit at a time but we are really building up to being good,” Slattery said.

Despite some of the struggles, there have been some early bright spots on the field hockey team.

One of these positives has been freshman Meghan Smith.

Smith scored the lone goal on a breathtaking arching shot, which landed right behind the goalie, for the Lakers in their 2-1 defeat Monday at the hands of Bellarmine.

More impressive was that the play was specifically designed for Smith, already showcasing her immense talent.

If the Lakers look to turn their season around, they will need to continue to keep their positive attitude and hope these flashes of young talent are more than aberrations.

The Lakers next play Sept. 18 at Shippensburg University.