Facing the top-ranked team in the nation is always an intimidating prospect, one that could shake even the most stalwart of players. So when women’s lacrosse took the field last Tuesday, April 16 against the undefeated Trinity Bantams, the team knew it was going to be a grueling battle for victory. The Cardinals played hard, but Trinity, with an added home-field advantage, ultimately prevailed 13-5.

From the first whistle, it was evident that Trinity deserves its ranking. The Bantams scored 9 goals in the first half on just 11 shots on goal. Wesleyan remained scoreless over that time period, despite taking seven shots on goal and winning five draw controls.

The Cardinals began to rally in the second half. Barely 30 seconds in, Kaylin Berger ’13 scored an unassisted goal, bringing the score to 9-1. Roughly 10 minutes of tight play followed, which was broken by Trinity at 18:34. Two minutes later, a foul by a Trinity player gave Berger a free attempt on goal. She was once again able to score, bringing the margin to 10-2.

Wesleyan won the draw control that followed Berger’s second goal, and the ball found its way into the stick of Kayla Ellman ’13. She found an open Maddy Coulter ’14, who swiftly put the ball over the shoulder of the Bantam goalie, making the score 10-3. After another goal by Trinity, the Cardinals once again won possession. Lydia Kring ’13 passed to a wide open Leah Sherman ’15, whose goal brought the score to 11-4.

Three minutes later, it was Kring’s turn to score as she netted an unassisted shot that gave Wesleyan its fifth point, but that was as much as the Cardinals would get. The Bantams won the draw control that followed Kring’s shot and maintained control for the rest of the game to end the game 13-5.

Despite the valiant effort on the part of the Cardinals, they were simply outplayed by the Bantams. In several crucial categories, Trinity had the upper hand. The Bantams took 28 shots to Wesleyan’s 17 and committed both fewer fouls and turnovers than the Cardinals did. Wesleyan also won more ground balls than Trinity did and turned away more shots on goal. Wesleyan played hard but just could not keep up with Trinity.

Women’s lacrosse now has a season record of 4-9 overall and 0-8 in the NESCAC. This Saturday, April 20, the squad travels to Medford, Mass. in order to take on Tufts.