2008 Woodie Awards
Women's lacrosse advances to NESCAC semis
Molly Biddiscombe
Issue date: 5/4/07 Section: Sports
|
With a home field advantage the Mules proved victorious with a 10-9 finish, taking Bowdoin for the second time this season. Although their season got off to a slow start, Colby's record now stands 11-4.
The Mules move on to the semifinals tomorrow at Middlebury College against sixth-seeded Amherst College. Despite early losses, Colby's season has certainly made a drastic turn for success and they are out to prove that they are indeed the best team in the NESCAC league.
Hungry for a win after falling to the Mules on April 18, the Polar Bears looked to avenge the loss that seeded them below Colby. The level of play was very evenly matched throughout the game, as the Mules and Polar Bears took turns gaining the lead. Colby managed to put a few more past Bowdoin goalie in the first half as they went on a four-goal run to enter halftime with a 6-3 lead.
In the second half the Mules netted one more until the Polar Bears struck back scoring four consecutive goals themselves to tie it 7-7. From here on out it was a race to the finish as the teams battled back and forth. Every time Colby scored the Polar Bears answered to tally one more on the scoreboard. Becky Julian '09 netted the game-winning goal off of an assist from Kate Sheridan '09 with 2:15 left on the clock. This time the Mules were able to hold off their competition from scoring as the clock wound down.
Julian scored four goals total as Captain Allie Libby '07 had one goal and three assists. Sheridan and Lauren Barrett '08 netted two each while Captain Libba Cox '07 contributed one.
Sunday's win marked the fourth consecutive NESCAC win for the Mules, who lost their first four consecutive NESCAC games of the season.
"We finally came together on the field after so much time together off the field. It's nice to show everyone that we really do know how to play has a cohesive team unit," first-year goalie Keryn Meierdiercks said.
The Mules earned their fourth seed by beating Amherst 11-6 the day before. Although the game was tied 4-4 score at halftime, the Mules took charge the second half and dominated play for the majority of the game. This win was essential to placing them in a position to host Sunday's game instead of playing on the road.
During the match All-American Libby reached 100 career assists while teammate Barrett reached 100 career goals.
Just a week after their first match-up the Mules will play the Lord Jeffs at Middlebury tomorrow for a chance to compete in the NESCAC championships. Sixth-seeded Amherst beat third-seeded Wesleyan University last Sunday. First-seeded Middlebury, who had a by in the first round of the tournament, are set to battle seventh-seeded Williams College.
Middlebury, a national women's lacrosse powerhouse has hosted and won each of the first six NESCAC championships. Reaching success beyond the NESCAC, they have also the won five of the past 10 NCAA Division III championships.
If Colby beats Amherst on Saturday, the Mules will compete against the other finalist squad at Middlebury on Sunday.
Be the first to comment on this story