UMW women’s lacrosse season off to a hot start

By ALEXIS ZIRPMOULIS

Staff Writer

On Thursday, Mar. 15,  the University of Mary Washington’s women’s lacrosse team was defeated by first-ranked Gettysburg College with the final score ending with 12-4. The tough loss against Gettysburg College sadly broke Mary Washington’s seven game winning streak, forcing the University of Mary Washington to currently fall 7-1 for the season.  

Gettysburg College had won their previous games of the season by leading the score with all of their opponents by at least 12 goals. Throughout the entire game Mary Washington demonstrated tough defense skills and showed great quality teamwork. The first four goals were scored by Gettysburg College, though junior, Mackenzie Maguire was able to get Mary Washington on the scoreboard with an awesome free position shot. junior, Allison Davis eagerly helped raise Mary Washington’s score to 4-2 during the first half yet, Gettysburg College fought back stronger, ultimately receiving the last goal of the half, resulting in a close score of 5-2 at halftime.    

Quickly into the second half Mary Washington senior, Holly Hudson scored a free position shot and Gettysburg College shortly followed with five goals back to back, resulting in the score being 10-3.  Allison Davis fearlessly scored another goal for Mary Washington with only 3:30 remaining in the half, which brought the score to 10-4. Bitterly Gettysburg College was able to score two more goals during the final half which resulted in the final score of the game ultimately ending with 12-4.  

Despite the tough loss, this has been an outstanding and remarkable season thus far for Mary Washington’s women’s lacrosse team.

“Each season is completely different from years past, but this season is going really well. We lost some really dynamic players last year, but so many people have stepped up to fill their roles,” said Sarah Hampton comparing this season to their previous years junior defense player.

The team has a dynamic routine which they are expected to strictly follow before each game.  Participating in the routine before games allows for the players to positively prepare and reflect before each game.  The team also spends a significant amount of time together studying their opponents so they know what to expect prior each game as Sarah Hampton mentioned, “Before each game, our coaches make a comprehensive scouting report on our opponent. It details their offense, defense and other aspects that are important to know before stepping on the field.  We also watch film that helps us prepare for what to expect.”

“We do a lot of bonding on and off the field. We are there for each other and are each other’s biggest support system. Outside of seeing each other at practices and games, we also do a lot of community service work together. It can be easy to get caught up in school and sports, so getting out into the community and serving others helps us refocus. This year we volunteered at the Fredericksburg Food Bank and also with the Friends of the Rappahannock,” said Hampton when asked if the teams close knit relationship off the field contributed to their successful season so far on the field.

Hampton, also shared her thoughts and hopes for the teams future this season, but stressed that she believes remaining concentrated on one day and one game at a time is a major component to the teams successful future.  

“We have so much talent on this team and a lot of potential. We just have to focus on showing up everyday and doing our best and the pieces will all fall in place. We would love to win a title, but we have to concentrate on one day and one game at a time,” said Hampton.

The University of Mary Washington’s women’s lacrosse team will face off against Messiah College at 1pm on Saturday, Mar. 24, on their home field.