By Reed Dickerson | Staff Writer
Continuing their dominant season, the Kenyon women’s lacrosse team faced off against Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) this past Saturday, April 5. After a rough start, the Ladies trailed the Battling Bishops by one goal at the end of the first half. But the Ladies bounced back and won the game 13-9.
“We started out a little flat, but I’m really proud of the way the entire Kenyon team rebounded,” Head Coach Meredith Buzzi said.
After a quick opening goal for the Ladies by Co-Captain Kate Lang ’14, Kenyon had to endure a series of four goals scored by OWU. Despite additional goals made by Co-Captain Alex Bair ’14, Amy Morgan ’14 and Caroline Shipman ’15, Kenyon still found itself down a goal by the end of the first half.
“Possession of the ball was a primary game plan,” Buzzi said. “The midfield was a big play for us; we wanted to make sure that they felt all the pressure that we could give them in the midfield to slow down the ball so they couldn’t run and gun on us.”
The Ladies came out strong in the second half, scoring four goals and boosting themselves ahead to 9-7. The Ladies maintained this lead through the rest of the game, with Shipman and Ansen Burr ’16 scoring a pair of goals in the middle of the half, and Bair finishing off the game with the last two goals.
Defensively, goalkeeper Meredith Bentsen ’15 had an excellent second half, letting through only three shots and giving her a total of 72 saves for the season. Shipman’s season record is now 30 goals and 10 assists, with Bair right behind her at 28 goals and nine assists. During the game, Kenyon managed to maintain greater control of the ball, with five fewer turnovers and more shots taken than by OWU.
“[Our] defense really stepped up and didn’t allow good shots to be taken, and our offense got the job done when it was time to shoot,” Buzzi said. “We started winning more drops, and we started taking that ball and doing exactly what Kenyon Lacrosse can do.”
Last night, the Ladies dominated Hiram College on Senior Day, trouncing the Terriers 18-1. Their overall record stands at 8-3 on the season and 2-2 in conference.
Their next match is scheduled for this Saturday, April 12 at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa.