Women’s Lacrosse Suffers Disappointing Conference Losses

The women’s lacrosse team dropped a heartbreaker in Hartford this Wednesday evening, as the Trinity Bantams edged out the Cards 12-10 in a closely fought NESCAC contest.

Wesleyan hung tough throughout the battle, perennially keeping it close against Trinity, which is currently ranked ninth nationally in Division III. The Cards played extremely well in the first half, pulling the score even at the half thanks to three goals by Erin McCarthy ’10. The hat trick accounted for McCarthy’s 16th, 17th, and 18th goals of the season, a tally that makes her the Cards’ current leading scorer. Sophomore Jess Chukwu ’11 also added a pair in the first half for Wesleyan, while co-captain Sarah Orkin ’09 had a tuck and an assist.

Prospects darkened for the Cards, however, as the second half began. With the cold weather and rain taking its toll, Wesleyan surrendered six goals to Trinity while only answering with one from Claire Hunter ’11. With the score at 12-7 midway through the period, the Cards came back with three goals from Orkin, Maggie Lile ’11 and co-captain Laurel Sticklor ’09 to close within 12-10 with 3:43 remaining. It was a valiant effort from the Wesleyan attack, but time proved to be an adversary as the clock ran out with the Cards still trailing by two.

The disappointing loss to Trinity, followed a bright spot in the team’s season, as the Cards took down Wheaton College on Sunday by the overwhelming margin of 18-7. Wesleyan’s scoring came in droves as Orkin, McCarthy, Lile, and Charlotte Hastings ’10 all enjoyed hat tricks. Also tacking on goals were Allie Lynch ’10, who had two, Chukwu, Jade Scott ’09, and freshmen Eileen Gaffney and Liz Chabot.

The Cards have had less success in NESCAC contests, however. Wesleyan opened its season with a 9-8 home victory over Bowdoin, its second in the teams’ last three meetings. Hastings found the back of the net four times in the game, and goalkeeper Maggie Drowica ’12 made 18 saves. However, the Cardinals dropped their next three conference games at Middlebury (15-5) and at home against Bates (14-12) and Tufts (17-6 on Saturday).

The Lady Cards, who currently sit at 4-5 overall and 1-4 in NESCAC play, will continue their campaign against NESCAC adversary Colby College on the road this Saturday at noon.