Women's lacrosse crushes late-game surge

Women’s lacrosse crushes late-game surge

By: Taylor Massey, QBSN Staff Writer

           

In the first of its final two regular season games, the Quinnipiac women’s lacrosse team took on Northeast Conference foe Central Connecticut. Aiming to end the season strong, the Bobcats proved they came to play. After holding a consistent lead throughout the game, the Bobcats ended the game halting a comeback by the Blue Devils and winning 14-11.

           

The Bobcats immediately took control of the game winning, the opening draw and following it up with a goal by Marissa Caroleo (North Babylon, N.Y.) seconds later. This was only the first of five goals that Caroleo would score to lead the Bobcats to victory.

           

Extending their lead was easy coming off the consecutive draw control wins by Devon Gibney (Hopkinton, Mass.). During the game Gibney managed to break the single-season draw control record with 143 wins, surpassing her own record of 47 that she set last year. The Bobcats were able to capitalize on the many opportunities that Gibney offered them.

           

Quinnipiac’s 14 goals were spread out among seven different Bobcats. Michaela Tinsley (Shrewsbury, Mass.) had a big game, recording a hat trick. In the eyes of head coach Danie Caro, this diverse scoring team is a great advantage.

           

“It makes me really proud,” said Caro of the full team effort. “We have a tough team to scout for our opponents because if you shut any one player down there’s five or six others that can step up and have a big game.”

           

Goals aren’t the only thing that can give a player a big game. Sarah Allen (Glastonbury, Conn.) has been a huge force on assists this season for the Bobcats. She tallied her 100^th earlier this season and is now on her way to breaking the all-time assist record. Against the Blue Devils, she had a game-high of one goal and five assists.

           

The Bobcats’ well-rounded team commanded the first half of the game before allowing the Blue Devils to gain momentum. In the final minutes of the second half, the Blue Devils made three stunning goals to bridge the gap in scoring. Meaghan McCurry led Central with five goals matching Caroleo. Ashley Perkoski also played a key for the Blue Devils with a goal and four assists.

           

However the Bobcats were able to hold onto their lead.  This gives them a strong boost of momentum for their final game of the season against the Bryant Bulldogs. This NEC match-up will help determine whether or not the Bobcats will have the home advantage going into the playoffs.

           

“It’s everything,” said Allen of having the home advantage. “It’s what we’ve been working for all season, and if we stick to our game plan like Danie said then I think we’ll be okay.”

           

Quinnipiac improves to 8-6 overall and 7-1 in conference play while Central Connecticut falls to 7-8 overall and 5-3 in conference. The Quinnipiac Bobcats take on the Bryant Bulldogs this Sunday, April 22 at 12 p.m. In their final NEC match-up of the season the Bobcats will fight for home advantage in the first round of playoffs.