Women's lacrosse takes 27th straight vs. Bowdoin

The Middlebury women’s lacrosse team posted an overwhelming 18-7 win over the Bowdoin College Polar Bears last Saturday. Bowdoin is currently ranked second in the NESCAC, while Middlebury is at sixth, so the win was a big statement for the Panthers. With the win, Middlebury ended Bowdoin’s five-game winning streak and improved to 5-3 on the season.
Senior tri-Captain Dana Heritage ’10 played a part in nine of 18 goals scored by the Panthers, with four goals and five assists in Middlebury’s win. Heritage was named NESCAC Player of the Week for her outstanding performance.

It was clear from the start of the game that Middlebury had come to play. Although Bowdoin scored the first goal, Middlebury answered with three right away by three different Panthers. First-year Margaret Souther ’13, Heritage and Chase Delano ’11 each chipped in a goal to gain a 3-1 lead over Bowdoin. The Polar Bears were able to strike once more, but it would prove to be their last tally of the first half, as Middlebury went on a five-goal scoring streak before the intermission.

The second half brought more of the same. Middlebury controlled the play throughout. Bowdoin was able to put five goals on the scoreboard, but each Polar Bear goal was countered by a flurry of Middlebury offense, led largely by Heritage. At one point, Middlebury held an 11 goal advantage over Bowdoin.

“Dana was unbelievable,” said Chase Delano ’11. “She played a part in half of the goals that we scored, but her contributions weren’t limited to the scoreboard. She was also very consistent in draw controls and played a vital role in our smooth transitions from defense to offense. She had an impact all over the field.”

Heritage wasn’t the only Panther to score multiple goals in the win. Delano, Sally Ryan ’11 and Michaela Colbert ’13 each added three goals for Middlebury. First-year Souther also turned in an impressive overall performance for Middlebury, scoring two goals and adding four assists.

A key part of the Panthers’ convincing win was the defense. Led by tri-captains Carrie Sparkes ’10 and Catherine Gotwald ’10, Middlebury’s defense was all over Bowdoin, limiting them to only 18 shots on net for the duration of the game.
“Bowdoin could barely get a shot off,” commented Delano. “Our defense played the way that they did against Gettysburg, which was another great win for us this season. They definitely brought their best game against Bowdoin and it showed in the score.”

The defense was also anchored by Lily Nguyen ’12 between the pipes. “Lily played so well,” said Delano. “The team has so much confidence in her in net.” Nguyen made 11 crucial saves for Middlebury. She currently has the highest save percentage in the NESCAC. Middlebury’s other goalie, Becca Shaw ’12, played the final minutes for the Panthers.

Middlebury proved that when their defense and their offense combine, they are virtually unstoppable. Middlebury will have another chance to prove they can contend with the best of the NESCAC this weekend, when they hit the road to take on Trinity College, ranked first in the NESCAC, at 2 p.m. on Saturday.