Lacrosse Drops 2009 Opener at WNEC, 17-9

Game Statistics

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (March 7, 2009) – The Mount Holyoke College women’s lacrosse team suffered a 17-9 setback in its 2009 season opener against non-conference foe Western New England College this afternoon at Golden Bear Stadium. With their third straight win over the Lyons, the Golden Bears improved to 1-1 on the year.

Ten players scored goals for Western New England, which outshot the guests 33-21. Leading the way was sophomore Jeanmarie Barbato, who exploded for five goals. The Golden Bears also received a boost from first year Katie Toomy, who tallied a hat trick. Senior Michelle Thompson added two goals and an assist.

Mount Holyoke received solid production from junior Peggy Wefald, sophomore Clara Raugei and junior Kristen Cody, who found the net two times each. The Lyons remaining goals came from senior Ava Gottschall, junior Rachel Kurzweil and first year Alex Crean.

With the contest knotted at two goals apiece in the early going, Western New England ran off seven straight tallies over a nine minute span to open up a 9-2 advantage at the 5:12 mark. The Golden Bears took a 12-4 edge into the break. Barbato posted all five of her tallies in the opening frame.

In the second half, the teams each scored five times. Wefald and Cody both posted two goals for the visitors in the period.

Sophomore Marisa Bonitatibus got the start between the pipes for Western New England. She made eight saves in 46 minutes played before giving way to classmate Erin Doherty, who stopped five shots in the final 14 minutes. Sophomore Missy Hartley made her first collegiate start at the goalkeeper position for Mount Holyoke. She went the distance and turned away eight shots.

The Golden Bears finished with advantages in both draw controls (16-13) and ground balls (15-11).

Mount Holyoke (0-1, 0-0 NEWMAC) will return to action on Tuesday, when it visits Keene State College for a non-conference tilt beginning at 4:30 p.m. The Lyons first home game will be on Thursday, March 26 versus Bridgewater State College at 4:30 p.m.