By Lucas Van Deventer
Staff Writer
SPRINGFIELD —Even a breezy, overcast day in spring didn’t stop the Springfield College women’s lacrosse team from coming out flat, as the Pride defeated Emerson with a score of 21- 4 at Stagg Field on Saturday.
Seven seniors were honored before their last game of the regular season for their amazing contributions to the team over the years including two senior defenders Andie Stone and Amanda Picozzi, who scored their first career goals in the game today. Stone scored right before halftime and Picozzi scored in the middle of the second half. The Pride took the game by storm taking full control of possessions and keeping the offense aggressive throughout the entire matchup.
It seemed like the Pride had full advantage on the offensive end. Head coach Kristen Mullady talked about how they were successful in getting the job done offensively and were able to have everyone contribute to help get the win.
“We were able to get a lot of people in today which was great and our seniors played great. Overall, we were consistent the whole game, controlling the offense, moving the ball very well, and taking advantage of our shots,” Mullady said.
Springfield displayed an amazing showing of creating shots and sharing the ball down the field. The Pride combined for 34 shots while 24 of those shots were on goal. They scored 21. The Pride were also able to have opportunities with four position shots and all of them were scored.
The Pride took the early lead with just two minutes in and the Pride had a 2-0 lead over Emerson.
Kate Sarnacki, the NEWMAC offensive player of the week twice in a row came up big once again. She helped the team with four goals and three assists. The play that worked to increase the score 10-1 involved Sarnacki and Taylor Pichel.
The Pride strategically moved the ball down the field making sharp passes. Then, the play slowly opened up. As Sarnacki received the ball she ran and dodged the defender, effortlessly handed it to the hands of Pichel, who launched the ball in the back of the net. This gave the Pride a 10-1 lead early in the first half, giving them all of the momentum to continue the aggressive offense into the second half.
Offensively, the seniors did not disappoint either. Everyone on the field were able to share the ball and take controlled possessions and even attempting to go out of their comfort zone.
“We are going out of our comfort zone day in and day out and the players stepped up and took risks. We were able to put it in the back of the net,” Mullady said.
Day in and day out, Springfield have been experienced improvements and continuing to be aggressive. Even though the offense stepped up, the defense were able to make stops. The Pride allowed six shots and five shots on goal. The Pride also picked up 23 draw controls giving them the extended advantage to add to their aggressive offense. Emerson had two. The Emerson lions struggled with their offense with 22 turnovers.
Springfield never lost momentum as they continued to make long possessions, score, and stay focused. When the bench for the Pride stays energized, this allows them the ability to give the players on the field the boost needed to have a successful performance. Also, since the Pride came into the game with the first punch early in the first half, this gave them the ability to make adjustments and strong performances for the offense. The three goals scored late in the second half for Emerson was not enough to get them the momentum because of the controlled possessions that the Pride were experiencing in the game.
Looking toward tournament play, the Pride will continue to trust the process and stay aggressive. The Pride’s offense is always looking for opportunities to score and having the momentum.
“We have solid games and practices and taking it day by day and just keeping up the momentum is most important,” Mullady said.
Mullady repeatedly talks about their ability to keep working and have the energy needed for a successful win. If Springfield can look to remain focused on keeping the momentum and getting more opportunities to score, this will allow the fiery Pride for more chances to win. Springfield was able to give the whole team the chance to win and the players proved their worth and performed well.
Springfield will go into the NEWMAC tournament on Tuesday. They will play Smith College at 7 pm on Stagg Field.
Photo courtesy Springfield College Athletics