Lacrosse Falls Short in Season Opener against Penn State, 12-11 2/2/03

The Vanderbilt Lacrosse team fell short this weekend as they opened their season competing against fellow ALC foe, Penn State University. Going into the match, the Commodores were fairly confident in their ability to be able to perform as they had practiced. However, the Nittany Lions of Penn State would not be easy to overpower.

Their offense quickly took control of the match, scoring three goals in the first ten minutes of play. It was evident that Vanderbilt would need to be at the top of their game to overcome Penn State’s incredible hunger for the win. Vanderbilt would rally together to comeback for the lead, scoring four goals in eight minutes. The Commodores would leave the first half with a one point lead over Penn State, 5-4.

But in the second half of the contest, it was to be much of the same. Penn State‘s offense scored four quick goals, followed by four more which would make the score 12-6, PSU. But, in an impressive attempt to overcome this six-point deficit, the commodores rallied to score five goals in four minutes. Sill, official time ended and Vanderbilt was devastated with eleven goals, one point shy of the tie. Head Coach Cathy Swezey had this to say about her team’s loss.

“We didn’t play our best game. But rather than sit here and give reasons as to why we didn’t win, I am going to have to give credit to the other team. Penn State came out and hustled their butts all over the field. They were aggressive and were hungry for it. I have to give them credit for a game well-played.”

Though a disappointing loss, junior attackman Michelle Allen picked up three goals and two assists, while senior, Jeannie Crawley, picked up three goals. Junior, Laura Peck, gave the Commodores four goals, two of them coming in the last minute of action. Tara Schmucker added one goal for the Commodores.

Though, Vanderbilt has typically been typecast as a second-half team, their success lies in being able to score early and not rely upon the pressures of the clock to push them towards the win.

Vanderbilt will play their home opener 1 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex.