MARCELLO MONDAY: CAPTAIN CARDILLO

BOSTON, Mass. - The Saints finished off their regular season this past weekend with a 0-0 tie against St. Joseph's of Connecticut. Although the game was getting physically intense towards the end, the Saints tied with grace and class, following role model and senior captain, Ari Cardillo.

Although disappointed with a tie, the Saints walked off the field as a team, ignoring the commotion from others. Following Ari's lead, the team embraced the hard work that was displayed in Saturday's match-up and the domination by the Saints down the stretch.

This is Ari's well-deserved second year as a captain for ECWS. Not only does Ari excel on the field, but also as a student and leader on campus. She is enrolled in one of the nation's hardest courses, Physical Chemistry, and still manages to play soccer and to socialize with friends and family. She is the true definition of a student athlete and a prime example of an Emmanuel College Saint. She will be a huge loss to the team's roster next year.

Ari is a leader by nature. When she makes a command from the defensive back line, no one even questions it. Her knowledge for the game is far superior than many and her leadership qualities make her stand out tremendously.

I have known Ari since preseason of my freshman year. I remember being extremely nervous for the college transition, fearing the probability of not gaining any friends and feeling left out. Then, stuck to my parent's side, I attended the team cookout and found myself talking to Ari. She made me feel comfortable and open right off the bat. For some reason, I knew that I could trust her, simply after my first encounter. That is truly a quality of a natural leader; to make a scared, lonely freshman feel at home, safe, and included. Ari is a teammate that we are all lucky to have.

Ari and the Saints enter the playoffs on October 31st, Halloween, for a matchup against Albertus Magnus College at home at 1 p.m. Please come support the girls and the nine seniors on the team. The game will be a good one that you don't want to miss!