The women's lacrosse team extended its undefeated campaign to 6-0 by defeating Goucher College 21-7 on the road Saturday. Behind senior attacker Liz O'Connor's eight goals and three assists, the Lions continued to prove worthy of the No. 3 ranking.
"We have a very talented team this year and we need to move one game at a time," O'Connor said. "Hopefully, if everyone gets and stays healthy, we will be able to achieve our ultimate goal of a national championship."
The Gophers kept the score close early behind two goals from junior attacker Lori Petruzzi and a goal and an assist by junior attacker Kate Howell. Following four unanswered goals, the College had already gained a commanding 12-5 lead by halftime with five goals from O'Connor.
In the second half, it was the same story. The Lions traded goals with the Gophers before scoring the final six to secure the win 21-7.
"We identified key things to focus on in the second half that help our total game rather than just try to focus on the overall game," assistant coach Robin Selbst said.
O'Connor wasn't the only Lion finding the back of the Gophers' net. Junior midfielder Katie Wagenblast notched five goals and an assist.
Sophomore midfielder Lauren Gossner started the game's scoring and scored another goal as well as an assist before the contest came to a close.
"I think once our team scores, it really sets the tone for the rest of the game and gets everyone fired up," Gossner said.
Seven different women had at least one goal with the freshmen combo of attacker Bridget Bigley and midfielder Lauren Dougher each adding a pair. Junior defender Christie Shore and junior attacker Jill Baldwin had a goal and an assist each.
"It's a tremendous help getting such a contribution from a variety of players," Selbst said. "About 50 percent of our goals were assisted on and that shows the team was working together."
The scoring barrage was the byproduct of the Lions out-shooting the Gophers 47-14. Gopher goalie freshman Laura Webbert yielded a season-high 21 goals under the heavy pressure.
"We knew (Webster) was inexperienced so we wanted to take it to her right away," Bigley said. "It was really important to get out on fast breaks and raise the tempo to a pace she wasn't used to."
Good defense and a constant offensive onslaught led to 10 shots on senior keeper Jen Munday. Seven shots went past her before she was replaced by freshman goaltender Megan Marquardt. In Marquadt's brief action, she made one save and didn't allow any goals.
"It's a big help when we have possession of the ball on the other team's side and take more shots, but at the same time it's hard to find a rhythm as a goalie when you only face a few shots," Munday said.
The Lions have tallied wins over three other ranked opponents this season. Mary Washington College fell to the College 15-4 as well as Ursinus College 14-2, and State University of New York College at Cortland 19-4.
"Those wins were very important for us because it helped instill confidence to beat the better teams," freshman defender Meredith Spangler said. "Now when we play other ranked teams this season we can make sure we are better."
Upcoming Game
The women's lacrosse team plays their next game on April 12, at Gettysburg College, at 1 p.m.
