April 3, 2010
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The No. 10 Vanderbilt Commodores (8-3, 2-0) cruised to their seventh straight win on Saturday at the VU Lacrosse Complex, defeating Johns Hopkins (7-5, 1-1) 20-12. Tewaaraton Award candidate Sarah Downing recorded five goals and four assists in the win as the `Dores remain perfect in American Lacrosse Conference play.
“I thought we played really well from start to finish,” said Downing. “Our motto is 30 for 60 and I think we actually did that in this game. To get every single player off the bench, especially against Johns Hopkins, is huge for us.”
Sophomore Colleen McCaffrey gave the Blue Jays an opening lead with her goal at 28:36 remaining in the first half. The Commodores followed with seven goals, including three by Downing, to take a commanding 7-1 lead. Emily Franke’s goal with 1:04 left gave Vanderbilt a comfortable 11-6 advantage going into halftime.
The ‘Dores opened the second half even stronger with another seven straight goals, capped off by Alex Priddy’s goal with 21:55 remaining to make it 17-6.
Commodore Head Coach Cathy Swezey was pleased her team’s play. “We keep identifying ourselves differently each game,” said Swezey. “Our goal today was to start thinking about what it might be like to have a target on your back and how do you perform when you’re that team. I feel like our girls did. Both halves, our offensive push really strong right out of the gate.”
Junior Katherine Denkler again had a strong performance with four goals for Vanderbilt. Sophomores Ally Carey and Kendall Pittinger each added three goals. Carey also recorded three draw controls, two caused turnovers, and one ground ball in the win.
Sophomore goalkeeper Natalie Wills finished with five saves and only allowed nine goals to pick up her eighth win on the season.
Sophomore Candace Rossi led Johns Hopkins with three goals scored.
Vanderbilt will return to action on Saturday, April 10, when they host ALC rival Ohio State at the VU Lacrosse Complex for Senior Day. Game time is scheduled for 1 pm C.T.
