Women’s Lax Stumbles After Historic Win Against Amherst

The women’s lacrosse team, fresh off its first victory over Amherst since 1994, dropped a 17-9 decision against Williams College this Saturday on the road. While the loss was a sobering one for the squad, the team still clinched a share of the Little Three crown, thanks to Amherst’s 8-7 victory over Williams earlier this month. Each team finished with a 1-1 Little Three record, giving the Cards their first share of the title since winning it outright in 1982. 

The team came out swinging against the Ephs, going up 2-0 early on goals from co-captain Laurel Sticklor ’09 and Charlotte Hastings ’10. The Cards tacked on three more through the first 20 minutes of play, as Maggie Lile ’11 and Erin McCarthy ’10 tied as the team’s leading scorers with 22 each on the season, brought the Wes lead to 5-3. 

Before the end of the half, however, Williams scored three unanswered to take the lead, and it was all Ephs from there on out, as they outscored Wesleyan 11-2 in the second half for the win. 

The defeat brings the team’s NESCAC record to 2-6 overall, placing Wesleyan ninth in the conference divisional standings. Ahead of the Cards, however, is a three-way tie for sixth place between Amherst, Bates, and Bowdoin, as each team currently holds a 3-5 conference record. Each of these teams will have to face far stronger opponents this coming weekend, while Wesleyan looks to square off against Conn. College, which currently has a goose egg in their “W” column at 0-8. 

If the Cards can bagel the Camels in New London this weekend, and any number of teams ahead of the Cardinals loses as well, Wesleyan can sneak into the NESCAC tournament in hopes of keeping its season alive. For those trying to trek to support the Tech, Conn. and the Cards will square off this Friday at 4:00 PM sharp.