Peterson displaying more confidence for TCNJ

Kayla Peterson has always been a confident player, but now she’s added trust and a calmness to the passion she brings to the hockey field.

The College of New Jersey sophomore has started all seven games for the Lions and has established a new career high already with two goals and two assists.

“I’m much more comfortable this year,” said Peterson, the former Allentown High star. “I know what is expected of me at practice and when I step on the field. Getting the opportunity to play in multiple games last year really helped.”

The 5-2 Lions are ranked No. 4 in the nation and fresh off a 3-0 win over FDU-Florham. This weekend they begin the chase for a fourth straight New Jersey Athletic Conference title with a trip to William Paterson (27) on Saturday before hosting Rowan (6-3) on Tuesday.

“Winning the NJAC is always a goal,” said Peterson. “These games are always raised up a notch from the non-conference games in level of difficulty. The other league teams are tough and always fight hard and they are exciting to be a part of it.”

Peterson has seen how everyone comes together at TCNJ for the betterment of the team.

“I have more confidence this year and not only in myself, but in my teammates,” said Peterson. “Trusting my teammates gives me confidence because I’m not afraid to make mistakes. I think we all feel that this year. We hold each other accountable for our mistakes, which helps us grow as players. We also pick each other up and we are each other’s biggest fans, it is a team effort and that is incredibly important.”

A Health and Exercise Science major, Peterson knows the Lions will learn from the two losses this season to No. 1 Messiah and No. 3 Salisbury.

“It was tough to lose those games since we were so close to coming out on top,” said Peterson. “It was definitely a learning experience and a good opportunity to compete with two of the best teams in the nation and we’re hoping to see them again this season.”

There has been growth on and off the field for Peterson and being a part of the TCNJ experience has been all she’s hoped for

“Playing at TCNJ was the best choice for me because it is such a competitive program and it pushes me to work hard every day. It’s so much fun to be a part of it all.”

More college field hockey online at www.trentonian. com/college-sports.