The Loch-Down: Near-Upsets Can Be Revealing
by Clare Lochary | Lacrosse Magazine Online Staff
The world of women’s lacrosse almost had its socks knocked
off this weekend, when three top teams (Northwestern, Maryland and
Penn) escaped with narrow wins. Instead, we sit here, still wearing
our socks, wondering what it all means. This week’s Loch-Down
will break down these non-upsets and explain just that.
NORTHWESTERN 13, SYRACUSE 12
Why the upset almost happened: I tore into the
Orange in last week’s 10-2-W column, because its run-and-gun
tendencies don’t do anything to disrupt Northwestern’s
opportunistic style of play. But after digging itself a 5-1 hole
early in the game, SU's defense (and defensive middies) came alive
and started causing turnovers and built themselves a 10-7 halftime
lead. Much credit goes to senior Christina Dove (4g, 1a), who
scored a hat trick in just 3:33, and to junior Tee Ladouceur, who
tossed up four assists and got a late equalizer goal on
Dove’s assist.
Why it didn’t: Northwestern had 16
turnovers in the first half; its previous season high for an entire
game was 14 TOs. The Wildcats tightened up in the second period,
and that made the difference. Katrina Dowd got the game-winner with
1:28 to play, and the Wildcats controlled the final draw. Give
credit where credit is due – Northwestern always finds a way
to win.
What this means for Northwestern: The one
strategic disadvantage that the ever-triumphant Wildcats have is
that they rarely play down, or even close. (The last time they
trailed at the break was last season when they were down 6-5 to
Penn. They came back to win, 11-9.) This live-game experience, with
three ties and four lead changes in the final eight minutes, will
serve them well, should they get into a tricky spot later in the
season. The Wildcats usually have one close game (or rarely, one
loss) per season that puts the fear of God into them. This was
probably it.
What this means for Syracuse: Quoth Gary Gait:
“If we put our game together and play with confidence, we can
beat anybody. I think that's what you take away from (this game)
– we have the talent and we have the ability, and now we just
have to work on the mental side of the game.”
Fun fact: This game was played at nearby
Christian Brothers Academy, because the Carrier Dome was busy
hosting the men’s basketball tournament. 1,583 fans turned
out – and were rewarded with an excellent game –
partially thanks to the large upstate New York contingent on
Northwestern’s roster.
MARYLAND 7, BOSTON COLLEGE 6
Why the upset almost happened: Maybe it’s
the bitter Big East alum in me, but half the time I forget that BC
is now an ACC team. That’s terrible, I know, but in
women’s lacrosse, the Eagles don’t give me much reason
to remember them. I will remember them after this. BC did an
excellent job executing the best strategy you can against a
high-scoring team like Maryland: hold onto the ball, and take only
high-percentage shots. Those six goals came on just nine shots.
After Maryland got off to a 3-0 start, 20 minutes went by before
BC’s Jill Rekert (1g) got on the board.
Why it didn’t: The Eagles’ rally
started too late, and then Maryland’s Laura Merrifield (2g)
caused a key turnover in the last minute and held on for dear
life.
What this means for Maryland: They’re 8-0
and took down a previously undefeated ACC foe. They proved that
they can play a chess match type of game, as well as a run-and-gun.
Terps sophomore goalie Brittany Dipper is still something of a
question mark for me – she had just two saves in a close game
(albeit on quality shots) and an overall save percentage of
.440.
What this means for Boston College: Even with the
loss, they’re off to their best start in school history at
6-1. Their six wins (against unranked opponents) have all come by
comfortable margins, too, so Virginia and North Carolina should
beware the Eagles.
Fun fact: Boston College goalie Sheila Serafino
(14 saves) gets to brag that she’s the only keeper in the
country who held the Terps to single digits.
PENN 7, YALE 5
Why the upset almost happened: Penn supposedly
wants to up its offensive output this season, but has struggled
against quality defenses. The Quakers trailed 2-1 going into
halftime, thanks to a lock-down defense anchored by Yale senior
Michele Fiorentino.
Why it didn’t: The Bulldogs got into some
turnover trouble, plus Penn’s defense is good enough that
it’s not fatal if its offense takes time to start
clicking.
What this means for Penn: They’ve got a clutch player in
Guilia Giordano, who assisted on the go-ahead goal , gave the
Quakers a key insurance goal with 3:03 on the clock and hit a post
on another key second-half shot. When Giordano’s in the zone,
she provides the workmanlike Quakers with a much-needed spark.
What this means for Yale: The Bulldogs need to
create more on the offensive end if they want to win games. Even in
a low-scoring game, you’re probably not going to win with
just 11 shots. The Bulldogs’ defense is beast, though. After
poor outings against Fairfield and James Madison, they’ve
really clamped down. It’ll be interesting to see how they do
against BU.
Fun fact: Yale actually leads this series,
18-14-1.
* Yale got its upset Wednesday, after this column was submitted.
The Bulldogs upended No. 13 Boston University, 11-9.
