MICHELLE HALE
Assistant Sports Editor
Fredonia’s women’s lacrosse team had another successful weekend on the road. They defeated Elmira College on Friday and SUNY New Paltz on Saturday. The wins improved their overall record to 10-2, and their SUNYAC record to 3-1.
On Friday, the Blue Devils defeated the Elmira Soaring Eagles with a score of 16-9. Five consecutive goals were scored in the first half to set the lead to 8-2 for the Blue Devils. Despite the scoring spree, the Soaring Eagles were able to answer to the Blue Devils, leaving half time with a score of 9-6.
“Our transition defense was much better than previous games,” said Shelby DePew. “The offense was also able to mesh well together and seemed to come together in key moments of the game.”
Fredonia goals were scored by senior Marissa Cussins (6), freshman Audrey Yokopovich (4), sophomore Kristie Kleine (2), senior Katie Kleine, senior Shelby DePew, senior Katie Glagolev and sophomore Sam Owen.
Katie Kleine continued improving her all-time assist record with the help of her eight assists against the Soaring Eagles. Other assists were from Cussins, Kristie Kleine and Glagolev.
The Blue Devils outshot the Soaring Eagles 31-18, and freshman goalkeeper Nicole Burrows was credited with three saves.
SUNYAC conference play continued for the Blue Devils on Saturday against the New Paltz Hawks. Fredonia’s victory helped them keep the number two seed in the SUNYAC conference. The Blue Devils defeated the Hawks with a score of 7-5.
“We were able to take time off of the clock by being patient with the ball,” said junior Jessica Tuttle.
The Blue Devils were up 5-2 in the first half, and were able to consistently score another five to secure the win. Fredonia goals were scored by Kristie Kleine (2), sophomore Emily Polizzi (2), Cussins, Katie Kleine and Owen. Cussins’ goal marked her 47th of the season.
Burrows earned five saves, and the Hawks’ goalkeeper Jackie Ulanoff had 22 saves out of the total 29 shots Fredonia had.
Fredonia will continue SUNYAC play ranked as the number 20 team nationally according to the International Women’s Coaches Association, against number 18, SUNY Geneseo Black Knights.
“We know it is going to be a good game against them,” said coach Amy Simon. “Whoever wins is going to be the team who wants it more and who works the hardest from the beginning to end.”
The Blue Devils will face the Knights on Tuesday at University Stadium’s turf field with a 4 p.m. draw.