Temple Sputters On Offense, Loses 14 – 7 To Duquesne In Women’s Lacrosse

PHILADELPHIA, PA. 4/1/2012 – The Temple Owls women’s lacrosse team got off to a slow start, and never got their offensive flow going in a 14 – 7 loss to the Duquesne Dukes at Geasey Field.  The Owls committed too many turnovers in the game to negate a run.  On defense Temple had a difficult time containing Dukes midfielder Caitlin Prince who scored 5 goals in the game that evened Temple’s Atlantic 20 record at 1 – 1.

Stephanie Markunas - Temple Senior Midfielder

“We came out ready, but things were not going our way,” said Temple Senior midfielder Stephanie Markunas.  “They capitalized on our turnovers instead of us capitalizing on their mistakes.”

The Dukes never trailed in the game.  Three straight goals put the visitors in front 8 – 3 at halftime.  In the second half Duquesne put the game away holding Temple to one goal in the last 13:20 of play.  The Temple goal came at the 1:58 mark on a free position goal by Senior midfielder Missy Schweitzer.  For the game the Owls were out-shot by a 30 – 22 margin.

“Duquesne played a really nice game,” Temple Coach Bonnie Rosen observed.  “They controlled the tempo.  Their offense was patient which made it hard for us to get some runs.  The tempo was different than we expected.”

When Temple did have chances to score momentum building goals, they were turned away by Duquesne goal keeper Liz Walker.  She registered 8 saves in the game, and forced Temple to go 3 – 9 on free position shots.  Rosen felt her offense did not execute well close to the goal.

Liz Walker is a really good goalie,” Rosen said.  “We knew we had to fake her, but when you are a little slow in your thinking that affects you.”

Schweitzer scored 3 goals and had an assist for Temple.  Markunas had 2 goals and an assist.  Carly Cohen and Lea Britton also hit the back of the net for the Owls.  For the Dukes midfielder Claire Hurley had 3 goals.  Midfielder Casey Denk and attacker Haley Marafioti scored twice.

Temple drops to 7 – 4 overall, and 1 -1 in the Atlantic 10.  Duquesne is also 1 – 1 in A10 play.  The league appears to be wide open, so the idea is to get better and win the next game.  Despite losing a home game there are positives for Temple to take away from this game.  There are lessons learned.

“We’re not going to hang our heads,” said Markunas.  “A loss is a loss.  It stings, but there are positives.  Even if there are turnovers we need to work doubly hard on getting the ball going to the other end.  Caused turnovers are great momentum busters.”

Boxscore

Written By:  Glenn Papazian

 

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*