By Jamie Belfer


Photo courtesy of godiplomats.com

The fall 2019 season is off and running as the fall sports teams are competing in their first games, matches, and meets. The majority of the teams remain undefeated, showing that the Diplomats are more than ready to battle against fierce Conference competitors when the time comes.  While each new season comes with new players and a new team dynamic, the Diplomats seem to be meshing well together and coming up with key victories.

After having a strong 2018 season of 23-8 and making it to the Centennial Conference semifinals, the women’s volleyball team is gunning for a championship 2019 season.  Returning with the 2018 Centennial Conference Player of the Year, Grace Maggiore, and 2018 Centennial Conference Rookie of the Year, Allison Franke, the Diplomats have the experience and talent to take it all.  They defeated their first three opponents of the season to win the F&M Scramble tournament, beating Arcadia in a close 3-2 match in the finals. The Diplomats are currently 4-0.  

The F&M field hockey team cruised past their first two opponents as they defeated Elizabethtown by a whopping score of 6-1 and FDU 2-1.  The field hockey team is built around strong senior leadership in Caitlin Morrissey, Erin Coverdale, Michaela Nicholas, and Melissa Gula.  Although the Diplomats graduated a strong leader and an outstanding goalkeeper in Ilianna Santangelo, junior Christina Seery is stepping up to fill the gap.  After losing a heart-breaking 1-0 loss in double overtime to Johns Hopkins in the 2018 Centennial Conference Championship, the Diplomats are ready to avenge their loss and earn the title as 2019 champions.  

F&M women’s soccer is off to a great start, winning their first two games.  The Diplomats excelled in their home-opener, defeating Marywood by a large 5-0 victory.  The team was challenged by its second opponent, York. However, they staved them off to win 2-1.  The Diplomats intend to bounce back after a tough 2018 season. With leaders such as senior Nicolette Runko and junior Christina Marinos, the Diplomats look to take their overall young team to the Centennial Conference playoffs. 

After losing a tough 3-2 loss to Haverford in double overtime in the 2018 Centennial Conference Championship, men’s soccer is looking to have another strong season. The Diplomats started their season with an exciting overtime victory in their first game against Lebanon Valley.  Sophomore A.J. Kopacz knocked in the winning goal, his second goal of the game. F&M lost a close 0-1 game to Stockton in the second game of the season. The Diplomats have a well-rounded team with seven first-years, twelve sophomores, seven juniors, and seven seniors. 

F&M football revs up on Saturday, September 7 at Lebanon Valley.  The Diplomats are looking to continue the success they had in the 2018 season with another Centennial-MAC Bowl victory. 

F&M Cross Country hosted the first meet of the season at Baker campus.  Men’s and Women’s competed against Lebanon Valley in a 4K. F&M Men’s cross country tied 28-28 while F&M Women’s cross country lost a close 25-32.

It seems as though the teams’ hard work during the preseason is paying off.  It should be exciting to see how the teams progress and excel throughout their seasons, so go out and support your fellow Diplomats! 

Sophomore Jamie Belfer is the Sports Editor. Her email is jbelfer@fandm.edu. 

By TCR