Women hold on despite laxadasical second half

Author: Allison Ortega

Ranked second in the most recent national poll, the Middlebury women's lacrosse team showed their offensive firepower early and then held on for victory on Saturday at Kohn Field in a NESCAC matchup against Trinity.

Playing in front of a large crowd assembled to celebrate the team's annual Alumnae Weekend - incidentally including first-year Trinity coach Kate Perine '03 - the Panthers set off to a fast start.

"We were all really excited to play for our big group of alumnae that came back this year," wrote Lindsay McBride '09 in an e-mail.

Midfielder Reid Berrien '08 opened the scoring just over a minute into the game with a shot past Bantam goaltender Michelle Smith. While Trinity countered to even the score at one just a minute later, the Panthers respond swiftly.

Showing off its superior depth, Middlebury then poured on six straight goals. First-year Dana Heritage tallied back-to-back scores, before Berrien added her second of the game.

Caroline Kirkendoll '09, Katherine Entwisle '08 and Tri-Captain Claire Edelen '07 then helped the Panthers build a 7-1 lead before nine minutes had elapsed in the game.

The Bantams managed to stop the barrage with a goal past Middlebury's Blair Bowie '09 about a minute later. Yet, this was only momentary as Panthers subsequently continued their offensive onslaught.



After assisting on three previous goals, Liza Humes '07 notched a tally of her own to resume Middlebury's scoring spree.

Tri-Captain Kim Walker '07 and Amanda Smith '08 followed with two goals each, while Kate Barton '09 picked up a single tally to round out the first half scoring. At halftime the score was Middlebury 13, Trinity 2.

"We came out really strong in the first half, moving the ball quickly, working the fast break, and holding Trinity to only two goals," wrote Edelen.

Despite its first half domination, Middlebury was unable to maintain its torrid scoring pace during the second half of play. The Bantams responded to their large deficit with renewed energy and gradually moved back into the game. Less than a minute into the half, Trinity scored the first goal of the second half.

Although Barton answered for the Panthers, the Bantams then went on an 8-0 run.

"Trinity proved to be a strong opponent," wrote Edelen, "and after scoring a few goals, they gained the momentum of the second half."

Smith's third goal of the game ended the Panthers' scoring drought and increased the lead to 15-11 with just under five minutes left.

However, the Bantams would not relent in the game's final minutes, scoring another two goals.

With the lead at just two, the Panthers' strong defensive play preserved the victory.

"Fortunately we were able to hold on to the lead and pull out the win," wrote Edelen.

Bowie finished the day with nine saves in the first 43 minutes of play and Whitney Wildrick '08 picked up an additional four saves over the final 17 minutes in a relief appearance.

It was the Panthers' sixth straight victory, and it increased their impressive season record to 7-1.

In addition to the hard fought victory against Trinity, Middlebury used the occasion to participate in another battle - this one against global warming.

Joining with participants throughout the country, the team partook in the "Step it Up" National Day of Climate Action on Saturday afternoon. An initiative formulated by Environmental Studies Scholar in Residence, Bill McKibben, the Step It Up campaign is calling on Congress to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050. The Panthers created a banner and close to 250 Middlebury and Trinity players, parents, alumni and fans posed for picture with it following the game to show their support for the cause.

The next three games for the women's lacrosse team are against NESCAC rivals. Bates comes to town on Wednesday April 18, before the Panthers head to Connecticut to face Wesleyan and Connecticut College. At 5-0, the Panthers will be looking to maintain their current undefeated record in league play so far this season.

If last year's victories are any indication of what is to come, the Panthers should have a lot of confidence going into these games. In the 2006 season, Middlebury outscored the Bobcats, Cardinals and Camels by a combined 28 goals.