April 3, 2011
BALTIMORE – Three hat-tricks and 10 saves helped the 13th-ranked Commodore lacrosse team defeat American Lacrosse Conference rival Johns Hopkins, 14-13, Sunday at Homewood Field.
Seniors Katherine Denkler and Emily Franke and junior Courtney Kirk each scored three goals for the Commodores. Kirk also dished out two assists for a game-high five points.
The game was tied for the fourth time with 12 minutes to play before Denkler notched back-to-back goals to give the Commodores a 14-12 lead. Hopkins would score once but failed to draw even, thanks in part to a pair of key caused turnovers by sophomore defender Paige Cahill.
“Clearly, you only had to be here to see how intense this rivalry is,” VU Head Coach Cathy Swezey said. “Coming off a loss, it took a lot of character and intensity from our team to fight this hard for the win. We’re pleased that our girls came out the way they did.”
The crowd at Homewood Field included a large Vanderbilt contingent, with many of the Commodores hailing from the Maryland area.
Sophomore goalkeeper Chelsea Pasfield made 10 saves on the day, including seven in the second half.
“She’s just stepping up to the plate,” Swezey said. “She’s prepared to do what she has to to help our team.”
Vanderbilt will head back on the road next weekend to continue the ALC regular season at Ohio State. The Commodores then close their regular season with a pair of home games against Florida and Notre Dame before playing host to the conference tournament, May 5-7.
