March 9, 2007
Box Score
EASTON, Pa. - Freshman Julia Bateman's three second-half goals highlighted a valiant comeback effort for the Lafayette women's lacrosse team, but it was not enough as the Leopards came up short, 13-7, versus Central Connecticut State late Friday afternoon at Rappolt Field.
The Leopards (0-3) trailed 8-1 at the half after drawing first blood just over two minutes into the contest when sophomore midfielder Casey Sharkey took a sharp pass from junior attack Maddy Booth for her third goal of the season. Central Connecticut proceeded to score eight unanswered goals before the break, which proved to be a pivotal stretch for the Blue Devils.
Although the Leopards struggled to solve Central Connecticut's goalkeeper, sophomore Alice Lee, the team began to connect offensively to start the second half. Lee finished the day with 19 saves on 40 shots faced.
Freshman Maria Drehwing jumpstarted a stretch of four unanswered goals for the Leopards, netting her third goal on the season at the 22:33 mark. Sophomore midfielder Kristin Ruminski was credited with the assist. Just over two minutes later, Bateman netted the first of two straight goals, both on passes from Booth, with 20:11 on the clock.
The teams played through nine scoreless minutes until Bateman struck again with 11:33 remaining. Sophomore attack Emily Archibald kept the momentum going not long after, as she came up with her first goal of the year 23 seconds later.
Back-to-back goals from Central Connecticut's Stephanie John halted the Leopards' run and pushed the score to12-5 in favor of the Blue Devils with 6:45 to play.
The Leopards mustered two more goals, including Bateman's third on the day and another from freshman Sydney Peyser with 54 seconds to play.
In just her second collegiate start, freshman keeper Christine McDougal managed six saves and a ground ball. Sophomore Stephanie Kramer and freshman Tara Mayo led the Leopards with five ground balls apiece. Kramer, Mayo, sophomore Kat Hueglin and senior Morgan Schneller all helped the defense with two caused turnovers each.
Lafayette travels to the Golden State for a pair of Spring Break games. The Leopards are set to take on St. Mary's (Calif.) on Monday at 3:30 p.m. before heading to UC Davis for a 3 p.m. draw on Wednesday.
