They came. They played. But just before they conquered, the Northwestern lacrosse team (2-6, 0-2 American Lacrosse Conference) lost the drive that had built a 6-1 lead over New Hampshire (5-3), falling 7-6.
The Cats almost eluded the inconsistency that has haunted them so far this season with an aggressive first half, taking a 3-0 lead at the break.
“The team realized that they had the confidence,” NU coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said, “and they developed the mindset to come and play.”
After studying video of New Hampshire’s play, the Cats went into the game undaunted by their older opponents.
“We’re used to playing more experienced teams,” freshman Sarah Albrecht said. “We were ready for the challenge.”
The mental preparation paid off, as sophomore Courtney Koester scored twice and freshman Donna McCann scored once before halftime.
The second half began strong with goals from Albrecht and NU’s freshman twin sisters, Erin and Courtney Flynn. New Hampshire then responded with six goals, and the Cats were unable to answer before time expired.
“We are (still) learning to adapt to having the lead,” Hiller said.
NU was successful in keeping New Hampshire’s leading scorer, Jessie Groszkowski, at bay with strong defensive play. Groszkowski, coming off a seven-goal performance Friday at Vermont, was scoreless until she broke through the Cats’ defense and netted three scores in the last three minutes of play.
“The defense was prepared (for Groszkowski),” Hiller said. “They knew her speed, but at the end of the game, she just found open spaces.
“The defense came up big today. (Freshman) Kate Darmody played well, and (freshman) Ashley Gersuk had a huge game in the net.”
Gersuk, who had 12 saves in the game, held off New Hampshire until a goal from Molly Cherington in the 36th minute.
“We weren’t able to put the two halves together,” Albrecht said.
Added Courtney Flynn: “It was disappointing to lose, but it was a step in the right direction.”
The Cats will try to play a more complete game today when they meet Brown (1-4) in Providence, R.I., at 2:30 p.m.
Brown defeated Columbia 15-3 on Friday, but the Bears lost to New Hampshire 11-8 on Wednesday.
“This is a great situation,” Hiller said. “We have a lot of confidence.”
NU assistant coach Keely McDonald was a four-time letterwinner and All-Ivy selection before graduating from Brown in 2000. In addition, Hiller was the assistant coach for the Bears in 1997 and 1998.
“I am not nervous,” Hiller joked of returning to her old stomping grounds.
Brown is led by sophomore attack Katie Russell, who tallied a career-high four goals in the Columbia win, and junior attack Rebekah Rottenberg, who led the Bears in scoring in 2001 with 29 goals in 15 games.
NU will be looking to improve upon its second half against New Hampshire, and more importantly, to pull off its first win since March 20 at Sacred Heart.
“We are feeling well-prepared,” Hiller said. “Sometimes it takes a loss like that to take it to the next level.”
