Women's lacrosse swiftly ousts the Bobcats

Author: Julia Ireland

The Middlebury women's lacrosse team made a statement in the NESCAC quarterfinals this Sunday against the Bates Bobcats. Middlebury dominated Bates from the beginning, taking the lead early and giving Bates no room to even attempt to come back.

The Panther defense held the Bobcats to only eight shots on net through the entire game, employing their unique "backer" defense.

"It's designed to always put pressure on the ball, whether at the top of the eight-meter or behind the goal. We always want at least one person making it difficult for the ball handler to drive or feed," explained defender Caroline Kirkendoll '09. "We've had a ton of success with it this season because all of our defenders are fast and aggressive and we work really well together so we are ready for anything that gets thrown at us."

The system certainly proved effective in shutting down the Bobcats; goalies Blair Bowie '09 and Lily Nguyen '12 had to make only two saves each in net.

With the support of the defense, Middlebury's offense was able to attack with full force. The Panthers scored five straight goals in 10 minutes to command an early 6-1 lead. Chase Delano '11, Sally Ryan '11 and Dana Heritage '10 proved to be a deadly combination on offense.

Delano opened Middlebury's scoring, followed by Heritage who converted a free-position shot and tallied again right after. Heritage then fed Ryan for two goals and added another free-position shot to end the first half. Halftime found Middlebury with a 9-2 lead.

"[Head Coach Missy Foote] reminded us that our lead was not all that big and that they could definitely come back if we gave them a chance, so we really made an effort to get control of the draw and double ground balls to ensure possession," said Kirkendoll.

"We always try to maintain our level of play, even when we take off with a huge lead, because the truth is, we've all been down and still managed a great comeback," added defender Taylor Brown '11. "We look at each half as separate parts of the game and realize that in both halves, we need to play with an equally high intensity for a win." Brown provided solid defense for the Panthers throughout the game, controlling five ground balls and causing four Bobcat turnovers.

The Panthers met the second half with the same intensity and focus that they brought to the first.

Ryan started a scoring streak, netting a free-position shot. Elizabeth Garry '12 and Alice Demmerle '09 each scored in the spurt to give Middlebury a 12-2 lead. Despite two Bobcat tallies in the second half, Middlebury ended with a four-goal run to finish the game with a convincing 18-4 score.

The team is already looking to next weekend, when they will take on Colby College in the semifinal game. Colby has become a serious rival for Middlebury in the past two seasons, as Middlebury lost to Colby in the NESCAC finals last season and dropped a double-overtime game to the Mules this season.

"After what happened last year in NESCACs and this year when we lost in double-OT over spring break, we can't wait to get back on the field with them," said Kirkendoll. "After the last few weeks, I think we are all playing at the top of our game, we just have to come out and want it more than they do."

"They have had a great season and they have become tough opponents, but we're ready to face them again and show them how we play lacrosse," Brown added.

If the end of the Panthers' season - which they ended with four straight NESCAC wins - is any indication, they are more than up to the challenge of facing Colby once again.

Middlebury will take on the Mules in the NESCAC Semifinals this Saturday, May 2 at 2:30 p.m. at Tufts University.