The College's lacrosse team came away with an 8-6 victory Sunday at home over the SUNY-Cortland Red Dragons, one of the few teams to beat the Lions in the past two years, to advance its record to 3-0.
"After losing to them the past two years, I thought it was important that we come out and make a statement today," junior attacker Kate Neese said.
After junior midfielder Karen Doane scored the first goal of the game, the Lions and Red Dragons traded goals, with junior attacker Kristin Zucconi and junior midfielder Toni-Anne Cavallo adding one apiece. However, the Dragons scored the last goal of the half to go on top 5-3.
The stalling tactics of Cortland, in which the Red Dragons held the ball for long stretches without making passes, marked the first half.
The Red Dragons started the second half off with another goal but were unable to continue their strategy of conservative possessions due to a lack of scoring.
While Cortland landed several shots on net, the College went on a five-goal run to clinch the game. The run was sparked by a goal from Doane as she spun past a defender and scored her second goal of the game.
A few minutes later, Cavallo assisted Neese for her first goal of the season.
"I thought our defense did phenomenal," Neese said. "I'm very proud of the team; nothing was handed to us. We worked for everything we got this game."
Neese went on to score again on a rebound after freshman attacker Angela Wilmer capitalized on a penalty shot.
Cavallo scored the Lions' final goal off an assist from Doane.
Lions lacrosse action continues as the College hosts Cabrini College on March 29 at 7 p.m. and travels to Fredericksburg, Va., to battle the University of Mary Washington on March 31 at 1 p.m.
