Unfinished business for Sabrina Phillips and TCNJ
The 2022 women’s lacrosse season for The College of New Jersey came up one game short of a chance to play for a national championship and senior Sabrina Phillips understands the Lions have some unfinished business.
The wait is just about over for Phillips as TCNJ opens the 2023 season at home against Scranton on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex.
The Lions are ranked third in the nation and the preseason favorite to win the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
“I am beyond excited for this season,” declared Phillips. “It’s been a long nine months since our last game so I’m ready to get back on the field and help lead the team with the rest of my seniors to more victories for TCNJ women’s lacrosse. This season means a lot to me, since it maybe be the last season of my entire lacrosse career.”
Phillips, a nursing major, is undecided about a fifth year, but no matter what the decision, lacrosse is now in her DNA.
It has been quite a preseason for Phillips.
Recently, she, along with four other Lions, was named to the Division III Preseason All-America team.
“I feel honored to be recognized in this season’s 2023 preseason All-American team,” said Phillips, who played her high school lacrosse at Notre Dame. “This recognition has given me the confidence I needed after coming off such a great run but heartbreaking 2022 season. Being an All-American is a great reflection of my coaching staff led by Sharon Pflueger, who has helped me to be the player I am my senior year.”
Joining Phillips with the All-America nod are senior defender Wayden Ay, goalie Julia Charest, junior attack Ally Tobler and senior midfielder Jillian Westerby.
Phillips’ numbers last year were mindboggling as the defender, who started all 21 games, picked up 16 ground balls, had a team-high 20 caused turnovers and recorded 126 draw controls.
The 126 draw controls were the second most in a single season in program history.
It has been a tough road for this group of seniors.
Their freshmen year consisted of four
games, sophomore season they lost in the Elite Eight to Tufts and last year were defeated in the Final Four.
“This team has unfinished business,” said Phillips. “As a senior I am hoping to go even further and stack on more victories. With my outstanding coaching staff, I have no doubt that this season will be one to remember.”
One of the things that has made her lacrosse career a memorable one is she’s played with her twin Nikki every step of the way.
“Playing with Nikki these last eight years is truly a blessing,” said Sabrina. “I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side. She’s the closest person to me and the comfort I have in her presence gave me the confidence to grow tremendously on the field and I can’t thank her enough for being my go to person, my best friend, and my biggest supporter. Nikki plays a very important role on the field and without her, not only me but this whole team would not be as successful as we are.”
Nikki has started every game the last two years and she has 30 career ground balls and 27 caused turnovers.
As Sabrina stated Nikki, too has been an integral part of the Lions success.
“I think the biggest difference between Nikki and I on the field is our style of play,” said Sabrina. “Nikki is very intelligent, composed, and makes every move on the field with a specific purpose in mind. I play more aggressive which gives me less time to think so I can make quicker moves. This makes for the perfect unit between us on and off the field.”
They also have a fierce competitive spirit, great appreciation of the game and a double dose of a great desire to take care of unfinished business.