MORGAN MARSHALL
Special to The Leader
On Sunday, the women’s lacrosse team played its home opener for the season and defeated Denison University at University Stadium with a score of 10-7.
Fredonia held off Denison at the end of the first half 5-3. Denison scored its third goal at the sound of the buzzer.
The Blue Devils ended the game with five more goals for a total of 10. This game was a rematch of the 2015 NCAA tournament first round which Fredonia hosted last Spring. The Blue Devils defeated Denison in that match as well.
“It was huge for us to get that win. I think we needed this confidence boost after a rough last weekend,” said junior midfielder Kristie Kleine. “We have a lot of talent on this team. It’s just a matter of us coming together and having things click.”
The Blue Devils had 21 shots on net and won eight draw controls. They also had three caused turnovers along with 16 turnovers themselves. Compared to Denison’s 19 shots and 14 turnovers, the Blue Devils fought a full 60-minute game to earn their victory.
Fredonia was led by freshman midfielder Jade Williams with three goals, two ground balls and one caused turnover. Sophomore midfielder Audrey Yokopovich also led the team with three goals, one assist and two draw controls.
The other four Fredonia goals were scored by freshman midfielder Monica Van Donsel, Kleine, senior attack Katie Miller and freshman midfielder Samantha Spiess.
At the end of the first half Fredonia led by only two goals but continued to pull away towards the end of the second half. Denison challenged the Blue Devils all the way to the end of regulation time.
“Denison never stopped fighting to get back in the game, and I think we did well closing it out,” said Kleine. “We’re going to keep working and improving before our spring break trip.”
The Blue Devils now stand 1-2 overall, and are currently tied for the 19th spot on the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Division III rankings. Denison now stands with an overall record of 1-2.
As Fredonia wins its first season game, the Blue Devils are still looking at ways to better themselves.
“We improved a lot from last weekend,” said Yokopovich. “We will need to fix the little things like ground balls and draw controls and just playing together as a team.”
A confidence booster is exactly what the Blue Devils needed as they head down south to play three of their season games over spring break.
“Today was a much needed team win. Defense played a solid game and our attack is starting to find their looks,” said senior defender Lauren Metz. “We are ready to work hard this last week of practice before we head down to Florida.”
Fredonia will continue their season next by traveling to Bradenton, Florida to take on Rowan University, Stevens Institute of Technology and St. Lawrence beginning March 18.