Denkler's Big Second Half Lets No. 13 Vandy Escape
from press release
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Five goals from senior
Katherine Denkler led the 13th-ranked Vanderbilt women's lacrosse
team past Jacksonville, 12-9, Saturday at D.B. Milne Field.
Four of Denkler's five goals came in the second half. The Dores led
7-6 with 19 minutes remaining in the game, but scored four
consecutive goals -- including two from Denkler -- to put the game
out of reach.
"I'm very proud of Katherine," VU Head Coach Cathy Swezey said. "I
talked to her during the game and told her to amp it up. I thought
she was a bit goal-shy and wasn't going to goal like I knew she
could. Coaches are always very happy when a player responds to what
we tell them."
The Dolphins (3-3) scored the first two goals of the game and held
the Commodores off the scoreboard until the 15th minute. Junior
Kelly Connors gave Vanderbilt its first goal, which was followed by
a pair of goals from junior Hannah Clark and Denkler. JU would tie
the game at 3-3 before Vanderbilt closed the first half with goals
from sophomore Kendall Pittinger and junior Courtney Kirk.
Two from Denkler gave VU a 7-3 advantage, but the Dolphins scored
three in a row to get within one at 7-6. Vanderbilt answered with
four goals -- two from Denkler and one each from senior Emily
Franke and Clark -- to take an 11-6 edge.
"Give credit to Jacksonville," Swezey said. "They showed up
well-prepared today and played extremely an intense game."
Junior goalkeeper Natalie Wills made seven saves on the day,
including four second-half stops. Junior Tewaaraton nominee Ally
Carey had another extremely productive day. Carey had two assists,
eight ground balls, five draw controls and a caused turnover.
Vanderbilt next will travel to Durham, N.C., to face Duke on
Wednesday, March 5. The game begins at 5 p.m. CT. Live video and
live stats are both scheduled to be available.
