Despite Thiel College’s attempt to make a comeback late in the game, the OWU women’s lacrosse team was able to open their season with a non-conference win (11-9) last Saturday.
The Bishops led the first half, taking an early lead with the help of a goal by junior midfielder Molly Curry, followed by three goals by sophomore midfielder Cate Bailey. That brought the score to 4-1. The Bishops finished the half leading 5-2.
Following the break, Thiel closed the deficit to 5-4 with a pair of scores early in the half, but the Bishops countered with another 3-0 run with goals from junior attacker Annie Swanson, sophomore midfielder Theresa Wolfgang and junior midfielder Meredith Wholley to make the score 8-4. Thiel fought back late in the half, bringing the score to 11-9 with 2:36 left in the game. A foul near the end of the game gave Thiel a free-position shot that would have brought them within 11-10, but senior Lauren Figy made the stop, and the Bishops were able to run out the clock to win the game.
Bailey said that she thought the team performed very well in their first game and was happy with the way they played as a team.
“I think the game went well. It was pretty cold out there, but we had a great little fan section, which was awesome, and it was definitely a fun and great way to start off the season, especially with a win,” Bailey said. “We worked really well together and the freshmen did great!”
Wolfgang also though the win was a good way to start the season, especially because it gave them an idea of what they need to work on.
“It was a good first game, and we were able to see what our current strengths and weaknesses are,” Wolfgang said. “It could have been a little warmer, but we still had fun.”
Freshman Eilee Foley agreed with Wolfgang and said that she thinks this season looks promising.
“I thought yesterday’s game was a good way to start our season,” Foley said. “We still have things we need to work on, but yesterday was a great way to test our ability, and to start with a win, it does not get any better than that.”
Sophomore Steph Martineau said that she is excited about the rest of their season and hopes that the team will continue their success.
“I am so excited to start our season with a win and cannot wait for the rest of the season,” Martineau said. “It was really great to see everything from practice come together.”