Women’s Lacrosse Caps Weekend with Two Wins

The Middlebury Women’s lacrosse team grabbed two wins this past week, against Springfield College (16 to 1) and fellow NESCAC competitor, Connecticut College (16 to 3). The Panthers’ wins brought the squad to a 2-1 record following the OT loss to Bates.

Both games were characterized by the Panther offense unloading on their competition. 

Against Springfield College, the team opened up the first half with 12 goals, giving up none in return. Throughout the game, a conglomeration of Panthers connected with the back of the net. Out of nine scorers for Middlebury, Kate Zecca ’20 led the team with three goals.  Middlebury showed impressive improvement in the team stats, attempting 24 more shots than Springfield.

Following the Springfield game, Middlebury continued to use their momentum against Conn. College. It only took the Panthers 28 seconds to put their first of 16 points on the board, when senior captain Emma McDonagh beat out Conn. College defenders to give Middlebury the first point of the game. By halftime, the Panthers already had a 10 point cushion, leading 11-1. Middlebury held this comfortable lead until the end, coming out of the contest with a 16-3 win.

McDonagh led the Panthers with five goals, and continued her 30-game scoring streak (which stretches back to her sophomore year). She also exceeded 150 points in her college career, with 112 goals and 42 assists.

Competing against Springfield and Connecticut College proved the team’s ability to not only play offensively, but protect its own net. The total team effort propelled the Panthers towards winning. Though the first loss against Bates was tough, the Panthers are moving forward, and are ready for the season ahead.

“Our team gels really well with each other, so one of our goals is to translate this more effectively to on-field execution,” said sophomore defense Addy Mitchell, ”I think right now we’re just working on figuring out our sets and communicating better with each other during games.”

With a successful program behind them, and a motivated group of athletes, the 2019 team looks to move far into the postseason — just as they did in previous years. The Panthers will use their gel and determination to keep improving and see their work translate onto the field.