Commodores Pickup First Win of the Season against Hoftsra 10-7 3/9

Vanderbilt’s Lacrosse team (0-1) squared-off today against Hofstra University
(1-0) in a match that would offer the Commodores a chance to avenge their
disappointing loss to Penn State in last weekend’s season opener.

With speed and agility, Vanderbilt quickly penetrated Hofstra’s defense and
scoring two goals in the first 3 minutes of play. It was evident that these
ladies were here to play hard.

However, Hofstra too would show up for today’s contest. Their offense was
strong and confident. Coming off substantial victory against Holy Cross and
entering the match today undefeated, the Pride looked secure in their ability
to move the ball aggressively.

Nevertheless, today Vanderbilt had something to prove. This was increasingly
visible today in Ashley Bastinelli’s (sophomore goalkeeper) fierce demeanor.
Though the Pride scored seven goals, they rocketed almost twenty shots against Bastinelli. Bastinelli registered fourteen incredible saves during the game; 5 of those coming from Free Position Shots awarded to Hofstra.

The Commodores outscored the Pride of Hofstra 10-7, with junior attackman,
Laura Peck, leading the pack. She added three goals for Vanderbilt today. Tara
Schmucker and Michelle Allen, each had two goals and two assists which aided in this season’s first win. The top offensive threat for Hofstra was also their
leading scorer. Kathleen Mikowski, picked up two goals as well as two assists
for the Pride.

Vanderbilt’s intensive efforts showed through today as they were able to stay
focused throughout the game. Playing consistently throughout both periods,
Vanderbilt was able to stay ahead of Hofstra edging them out, slightly, on the
offensive end. Head Coach, Cathy Swezey had this to say, "We definitely
improved upon some things that we worked on this past week, in practice. There is still a ways to go… But the important thing is that we picked up our fist win of the season."

Vanderbilt aims to pickup another win this Friday as the Commodores travel to
the University of New Hampshire. Vanderbilt’s next home game will be March 25
at 7pm against ALC conference rival, Northwestern.