The women’s lacrosse team looked in prime position to take their first lead of the game after a 4-1 run that cut Kenyon College’s lead to two goals, but Kenyon was able to stop the run and pull away to a 15-10 victory.
The first half was highlighted by defense on both sides as there were only eight total goals scored. Sophomore Madi Lozanoski, first-year Sydney Blake and senior Nicole Gibson scored DePauw’s three goals, while Kenyon’s Kat Englert had a first half hat trick. Kenyon headed into halftime with a 5-3 lead.
The second half showcased more scoring on both sides. Senior Emilye Denny opened the half with a goal, but Kenyon responded with three straight goals. Junior Emma Flynn was finally able to stop the run with her first goal of the game. Two more Kenyon goals gave them a 10-5 lead, which was their biggest lead of the game.
DePauw responded with their biggest run of the game as senior Taylor Summers and first-year Sarah Ramsey each scored two goals. Within a couple of minutes, Kenyon’s lead was cut to 11-9.
Kenyon quickly ended the run and any hope of a DePauw comeback with two goals each by Englert and Mary Grace Detmer. Ramsey ended the game with a goal, but it was not enough as the women headed into the locker room with the loss.
The game served as the team’s senior night, and many of the underclassmen were disappointed they were unable to earn a victory for the seniors.
“It was a tough to not be able to get the win for them,” Ramsey said. “But we were all proud of our perseverance throughout the game. As we have faced tough losses against Kenyon in previous years, it was good to see the score gap narrowed.”
DePauw held the overall shot advantage 30-28, and they also led in draw controls 16-10. Seven different players for the Tigers scored, while Ramsey led the team with three goals. Kenyon’s Englert recorded six goals and three assists.
Summers believes the team is only a couple of changes away from making a big improvement in their success.
“I think we need to improve on working together on transitions, which start from the clear all the way until we make a smart feed to get a goal,” Summers said. “We are so close to being a cohesive group and working at our full potential. Hopefully we can work through these minor issues this week before we have two other big games.”
Gibson says the team needs to continue to prepare as their next matchup, Denison University, is currently at the top of the North Coast Athletic Conference standings.
“Denison will probably be our hardest conference game all season,” Gibson said. “So we will need to come focused and ready to play our hardest.”
The loss gives the women a 5-3 overall record and a 1-2 North Coast Athletic Conference record. Kenyon improves to 5-5 overall and 1-1 in the NCAC. The team takes the field again on Wednesday in a 6 p.m. matchup at Denison.