Growing up in Syracuse, N.Y., Alyssa Pitonzo and Olivia Pitonzo (Syracuse, N.Y.) did not envision themselves being a part of the Marist lacrosse team.
Instead, the Pitonzo sisters spent most of their time playing basketball and soccer. “We originally did not want to play lacrosse, we always played basketball in the spring,” explained Olivia.
But during the winter of their freshman year of high school, it was their father's suggestion that changed their athletic careers.
“He told us to try lacrosse just once and if we didn't like it, we didn't have to play,” said Olivia. “But we absolutely fell in love with it and everything went on from there.”
From that point on, Alyssa and Olivia excelled at lacrosse, winning the lacrosse state championship for Christian Brothers Academy in 2011 and 2013. Alyssa was the defensive player of the game in the 2011 championship game and earned a spot on the Under Armour Team in 2012.
Whether it is on the basketball court, lacrosse field or soccer field, Alyssa and Olivia have been playing together since they could remember.
“Everything has always been together,” exclaimed Olivia. “We never do anything without each other.”
Their bond and connection was never in doubt when they were deciding what college to attend and play lacrosse for.
“I've never thought about it any other way,” said Alyssa. “We always thought about going together.”
When visiting the campus of Marist, they realized the Red Foxes had everything they could ask for in a college, including both of their majors and future teammates they connected with.
“We weren't even out of the parking lot and we knew if we got a good offer that we would be coming here,” described Olivia.
Being freshmen on an athletic team, the Pitonzo sisters have found their place both on the field and in the classroom.
“I tell myself I am here for lacrosse and school equally,” said Alyssa. “I have to give as much effort in the classroom as I do on the field.”
Alyssa and Olivia are prepared to make an impact for the Red Foxes this season.
“All the girls on the team say that this year they feel the most chemistry,” said Alyssa. “I've never been on a team with so much chemistry.”
“We are ready and will become more ready as the season goes along,” described Olivia. “I'm really excited.
All of their effort will be put to the test as Marist plays its second home game of the season on Saturday, Feb. 22 against Vermont. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Tenney Stadium. The Lady Red Foxes are looking to return to the MAAC Championship for the second year in a row after falling to Canisius last year by a score of 9-10.
