The College's lacrosse team dominated the competition once again with a 16-6 victory over the Colorado College Tigers. The Lions, ranked No. 5 in the nation, remain perfect at home this season with a 5-0 record and a 9-2 record overall.
The Lions' quick offense was first to strike, as the team scored five unanswered goals early in the game. The Lions were relentless in their attack, going less than a minute between goals. In one play, junior midfielder Karen Doane was able to gain control of the draw after a goal and score again eight seconds later.
Doane led the Lions offense throughout the game, taking eight shots and scoring a total of five goals. Doane netted one of these goals on a free position attempt, which was followed by another Lions goal from junior attacker Bernadette Campbell 14 seconds later. By the end of the first half, the Lions held a 9-3 lead.
The College continued to play strong in the second half, netting six unanswered goals. The Lions allowed the Tigers only three goals for the entire second half. In net for the College, junior goalkeeper Caitlin Gregory was credited with six saves for the game.
"The game was a combination of solid defense and smart attack," Gregory said. "As the season progresses, we've learned to play more as a whole, rather than the attack playing as a unit and the defense playing as a unit."
Junior midfielder Toni-Anne Cavallo and freshman attacker Angela Wilmer were both key to the Lions offense, as each player had three goals along with two assists from Cavallo. Cavallo earned her third straight 20-goal season for the Lions and also set a career high in assists with 12 on the season. Cavallo also earned the honor of being named the ECAC Metro Player of the Week.
The Lions did win the game, but the team's high score also served another purpose. The team held a Goal For Goal fundraiser with proceeds from the game going to United Cerebral Palsy and Angelman Syndrome Foundation Inc.
Prior to the game, the team sought out pledges for each goal that the College scored. Last year, the lacrosse team raised $1,500, but this year the charity event became more personal as the team had the chance to touch the lives of two families.
The younger sister of senior defender Tara Withers is an inspiration for those living with Cerebral Palsy.
"They recently had a benefit for her in my town and the team donated money for that," Withers said. "Because of that, they wanted to continue to support my family, which was awesome."
Former standout College of William and Mary lacrosse player Julie McGravey Waicus has two children who suffer from Angelman Syndrome.
Tuesday's game against Montclair State University was also part of the Goal For Goal fundraiser, which finishes on May 4 as the Lions play Frostburg State University.
The Lions visit Susquehanna University on Saturday at 1 p.m.
