The Vanderbilt women's lacrosse team came out strong Saturday, handily defeating UMBC by a margin of 15-6. The match's outcome never seemed to be in question, although UMBC did execute a second half surge that was quickly subdued by the 12th-ranked Commodores.
The first fifteen minutes of the match went quickly, with the Commodores (1-1) jumping out to a 4-1 lead. Freshman Ally Carey led the charge with two goals while sophomore Katherine Denkler and junior Allie Frank each contributed goals of their own.
The Commodores took control of the game for the remainder of the half, dominating defensively and creating opportunities for a total of 21 shots on goal compared to UMBC's nine. Vanderbilt also moved the ball well and got contribution from many places, with seven different players scoring throughout the game. Senior Cara Giordano and freshman Alex Priddy both scored two goals, while junior Carter Foote also contributed a score. At the end of the period, Vanderbilt held a commanding lead at 8-1.
As the weather changed to cold rain and wind in the second half, the momentum also swung in UMBC's favor as they mounted a four-point comeback to bring the game within reach at 9-5. That was the closest the game would ever be, however, as junior Sarah Downing helped the Commodores finish strong with three of her five goals in the remaining minutes of the match.
Coach Cathy Swezey was pleased overall with how her Commodores played, but says there is room for improvement.
"I thought we came out really strong. I was a little disappointed with the beginning of the second half," Swezey said. " I thought we were a little flat while UMBC picked up their intensity a little bit. But in the end we found our shots when we had to."
The lacrosse team next takes on the No. 1 ranked Northwestern Wildcats at home on Friday, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m.
