MICHELLE HALE
Assistant Sports Editor
Fredonia’s women’s lacrosse team swept two SUNYAC Conference games last week against Brockport and Oswego. This justified why Fredonia is ranked number 19 in the country by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association.
The Blue Devils received the number 19 rank in the IWLCA Coaches poll last Monday after defeating number 17, St. John Fisher.
On Tuesday, the Blue Devils traveled to Brockport to face the Golden Eagles. Leading into halftime 6-3, the Blue Devils were able to keep up the lead and defeat the Golden Eagles 11-8. This was Fredonia’s first SUNYAC Conference win, as well as the first time they had defeated Brockport since the 2012 season.
Fredonia’s midfield and attacks led the scoring streak with two goals each scored by seniors Marissa Kussins, Katie Kleine and Katie Glagolev; sophomore Emily Polizzi; and freshman Audrey Yokopovich. Junior Katie Miller added the 11th goal to the board. Kleine also had two assists for the Blue Devils.
Freshman goalkeeper Nicole Burrows was credited with 14 saves.
Continuing with SUNYAC Conference play, the Blue Devils faced the Oswego Lakers on Friday. Although they were behind the entire game, they managed to come back and receive the win with a score of 11-10.
“The game did not go as expected,” said Tuttle. “We were happy with the win, but it was an interesting start.”
Interesting was exactly right. The Blue Devils were down 7-1 against the Lakers just halfway through the first half. Cussins led the offense, which allowed the Blue Devils to come back and take the victory.
“It was a learning experience, being down seven goals from the start,” said Cussins. “We didn’t come out with our full potential, and they took advantage of it.”
Katie Kleine broke a school record of caused turnovers with a total of 105. This record beat Megan Mietelski’s 2012 record of 102 caused turnovers.
Fredonia goals were scored by Cussins (5), sophomore Kristie Kleine (2), Katie Kleine (2), Miller and Polizzi. Katie Kleine added another two assists to her stats. Burrows was credited with four saves.
The Blue Devils face Elmira this Thursday, travel to New Paltz for another SUNYAC Conference game on Saturday and host Geneseo next Tuesday.