VILLANOVA , May 1,2011 – The Villanova Women’s Lacrosse team knew they would have to take advantage of all of their opportunities, but did not against a strong Syracuse team as they fall 20 – 6 to the # 13 Orange on Senior Day at Villanova Stadium. Thew Wildcats could not stop the Orange offense. On the other side of the field Syracuse played excellent defense and was strong in goal.
“They have great team speed and great stick work,” said Villanova Coach Jebb Chagan. “They have a player who can be defensive player of the year (Goal Keeper Liz Hogan). They are having a down year, and they’re #14 in the country. Normally, they are competing for a Final Four.”
Villanova shots found the post, the side of the net, or the stick of Syracuse Goal Keeper Liz Hogan. In the game Hogan made 10 saves in the 39:16 she played giving up just one goal. In one stretch of the first half just after the six-minute mark, Villanova missed on four consecutive free position shots. The only first half goal for the Wildcats came on a scramble. Junior Midfielder Justine Donodeo moved toward the goal from the left wing and let shot go that was saved by Hogan. However, the save resulted in a rebound to the right that Senior Attack Carly Miller scooped up and put the ball in the back of the net. Villanova got off 14 shots in the first half and 31 for the game. Only six shots found the back of the net.
Meanwhile Syracuse had the offense flowing as the precisely moved the ball around the perimeter until there was an opening in the middle of the Villanova defense. Their offense was executed perfectly. Syracuse had 17 first half shots resulting in 13 goals. Attack Tee Ladouceur scored 3 first half goals and handed out 4 assists all in the opening stanza. Additionally, Attack Sarah Holden had 2 goals, 3 for the game, and Attack Michelle Tumolo scored 2 goals and added a first half assist. The Orange totaled 27 shots in the game. Of the 20 goals for Syracuse only 4 were unassisted.
The Orange scored the first four goals of the second half to move in front 17-1. Villanova got back on the scoreboard at the 11:35 mark Freshman Midfielder Caroline Guidera scored. Syracuse took a 20 – 2 lead before Villanova scored the last four goals of the game, two by Freshman Attack Meredith Mangiarotti, Freshman Attack Katie Collopy, and Miller.
Villanova did out-shoot Syracuse 31 – 27 and had a 12 – 10 advantage in Ground Balls. However, the Wildcats turned the ball over 21 times compared to 13 for Syracuse.
For Villanova Miller scored 2 goals and had an assist. Miller finished her Villanova career with 17 goals and 8 assists for the season.
The Wildcats posted a record of 5 – 11 overall and 1 – 7 in the Big East. Coach Chagan looks forward to a bright future for the team. Syracuse is 10 – 7 overall and is 7 – 1 in the Big East.
Senior Day
Villanova honored seven Seniors before the game; Maggie Langan, Rachel Lasda, Jacqueline Peloquin, Amy Jackson, Carly Miller, Kim Wisniewski, and Mia Naccarato. These players have a special meaning to Chagan.
“I want to honor the seniors on more than just one day,” said Chagan. “This is a tight-knit group. They should be proud. This group of seniors made great decisions both on and off the field. They have helped to start to change the culture.”
Not every team has the memorable ending, and that did not happen for these seniors. However, they will be remembered for more than just one game. They will be remembered for what they have given to their school and support for four years. The seniors will grow from their experience and use the lessons learned to enrich their future. And, each of these players will have played a part in what Villanova Women’s Lacrosse can become.
“The future of the program is bright,” Chagan said.
And each of them will be remembered as a person.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
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