In what turned out to be a busy week for the Cards, the team traveled to Williams for an old-fashioned NESCAC and Little Three showdown. The Cards, coming off a hot streak that included wins over NESCAC foes Connecticut College and Bowdoin, were ranked 12th in the nation, while Williams came in ranked 8th. The game started hot and heavy, with Wes taking a 3-2 lead early in the first half. Williams then rattled off two goals to close out the half with a 4-3 lead. When the second half got underway, it seemed that Wesleyan’s offense had been silenced, as Williams continued what became an 8-0 run. Williams rode All-American Kaylan Tildsley’s seven-point day to an eventual 11-6 victory.
Continuing her strong play despite shin splits, Wesleyan’s Sophia Kim ’08 netted a hat trick. Senior star Courtney Tetrault ’07 demonstrated her offensive prowess, tallying two goals and two assists, upping her team-leading point total to 28. This was Williams’ 24th consecutive victory in the rivalry.
Thursday afternoon, the Wheaton team traveled to Wesleyan in what turned out not only to be a battle for the win but a battle to stay warm, as the weather turned nastier than President Bush’s approval ratings. Despite the rough conditions, including high wind, stinging rain, and mud flying everywhere, the Cards fought both the elements and Wheaton to bounce back from last weekend’s 11-6 loss with an 11-6 victory. Keying the Wesleyan victory was a balanced attack, in which at least five players scored, including Laurel Sticklor ’09 and defensive specialist and co-captain Jen Bianculli ’07. Such balance is rare and is a testament to the team’s depth, which will be counted on as the season continues.
Next on the chopping block for the Cards are the Colby Mules on Saturday at noon. A win would push the team’s record to 7-3 and put the Cards within easy striking distance of the all-time record of nine victories in a season.
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