Two undefeated teams clashed at Saturday's lacrosse game, with the Lions emerging victorious. Gettysburg College was handed its first loss of the season as the College dominated with a nail-biting 11-10 win. The Lions moved up a spot to number two in the national rankings.
The team expected a challenge going into the game. "Every year Gettysburg is a really strong team," senior attacker Liz O'Connor said. "They're our best regular season competition. Going into it, we knew it was going to be a fight."
Freshman attack wing Lauren Dougher led the team in goals, earning four over the course of the game. O'Connor opened the game with the first of four straight goals made for the Lions. Junior attacker Jill Bladwin scored back to back goals for the Lions less than three minutes apart.
Freshmen attack wing Bridget Bigley scored three straight goals in the first half, including one with an assist by junior midfielder Katie Wagenblast .Dougher closed the half with two goals, with assists by Wagenblast and O'Connor. The score at halftime was 9-4
Gettysburg came back in the second half, making six goals to the College's two. All but one were scored by senior midfielder Megan Murphy, who tallied eight goals and an assist throughout the game.
Dougher scored the Lion's only two goals in the half. Senior goalie Jen Munday made seven saves, playing the entire game. Lions defense was able to hold off the Bullets for the final 10 minutes of the game.
"We executed our plays well and capitalized on every opportunity," Dougher said.
Recognitions
The game caps a week in which two players were honored as ECAC Division III Metro Women's Lacrosse Player of the Week. O'Conner earned the honor for her role in the Lion's 21-7 victory over Goucher College last week. During that game she racked up 11 points with eight goals and three assists.
O'Connor currently has the third-highest all-time assists, with 69 over her career. She is 11 short of breaking Lee Moreau's 12-year-old record. She is fifth in all-time points scored, sixth in goals and currently leads the Lions in season points.
Munday was honored for the fourth time in her career as the Lion's goalie. She gave up seven goals and made three saves in 52:30 against Goucher. Munday is 6-0 and has a 6.20 Goals Against Average (GAA) in 319:36 minutes of action.
"They totally deserve it," Dougher said. "They're outstanding leaders and really help pull the team together."
Upcoming Game
The Lions will compete twice this week. Thursday's game will send them to Rowan University, while Friday's game brings Frostburg State University to the College's home turf.
The team knows its undefeated status has made it a target. "Every team we play is out to get us," O'Connor said.
