March 16, 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Vanderbilt lacrosse team dropped a heartbreaker to No. 19 Johns Hopkins at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex; 12-11. With mid-week matchup awarded to the Blue Jays, the `Dores own a 4-4 record on the season.
The Commodores fielded a resilient and crafty offence, with a season-high eight student-athletes scoring for the black and gold. Senior Mallory Schonk earned her fourth hat trick on the year, going three for three in free position attempts. Overall, the Commodores only missed one free position shot in the entire contest.
Jill Doherty registered two successful assits, connecting to Alexa Kunowsky and Kayla Peterson to give the Dores the lead over the Blue Jays both times.
Once again the Commodore defense stepped up and added pressure to their opponent, forcing the Blue Jay offense to change looks and regroup. Goalie Callahan Kent made quality stops for the Dores all game, keeping the backline settled and the Blue Jays off the board in several critical moments. Kent faced 24 shots on goal and recorded double-digit saves.
Vanderbilt began Wednesday’s mid-week match by striking first, as Emma Dagres earned her 11th goal of the season. Doherty and Kunowsky’s connection gave Vandy the 2-0 lead, but Hopkins quickly answered by leveling the score with two quick bang-bang goals. At 4-3 in Vandy’s favor, Johns Hopkins earned two additional goals which left the commodores down at the half; 5-4.
Following intermission, VU switched draw control personnel, with Margaret Fee coming in to face the Blue Jay’s draw control record holder, Dene’ DiMartino.
After trading four free position goals Hopkins took a 10-7 lead. With a little over 10:00 on the board, each goal the Blue Jay’s earned the Commodores answered with one of their own. At 4:45 VU was down by a manageable two goals. Schonk chipped away at the lead on free position with 1:17 left, giving VU a chance at the draw.
The Commodores’ Melanie Becker won the final draw of the night, giving VU the opportunity to wait around for the chance to cash in and send the game to overtime. Kayla Petterson took a shot at 22 seconds left on the clock that went high and gave the final possession of the night to Hopkins.
Unlike VU’s previous games, scoring didn’t come in late spurts for the Commodores. Attackers consistently threated throughout the entire game, which ultimately led to a near upset over the squad’s fourth ranked opponent of the season.
Next week Vandy hits the road for its final nonconference game, taking on the Boston University Terriers on March 22nd at 12:30 pm CT.
