March 5, 2007
PITTSBURGH, PA – The Vanderbilt lacrosse team (2-1) finished strong to blast Duquesne, 19-9, at Cupples Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Seniors Jennifer Tapscott and Nicole Pugno led the way for Vanderbilt, each scoring four times in the contest. Tapscott also had two assists, while Pugno added in assist and was big off the draw for the Commodores, winning five draw controls.
Cold temperatures and snow were the story of the first half, and the Commodores started the match a little cold themselves. Both teams struggled to find the back of the net in the first half, but a goal by freshman Sarah Downing with one second remaining in the half game Vanderbilt a 7-5 lead at the break, and proved to be the spark the Commodores were looking for.
“I was interested to see how the girls would respond,” head coach Cathy Swezey said about the halftime break. “We had not been put in that position yet, and I was anxious to see the character of this team, to see if we would turn that corner.”
Vanderbilt did respond, as it was perhaps the best 30 minutes the Commodores had played all season. They dominated the second half, outscoring the Dukes 12-5 and not allowing Duquesne (2-1) to get into any type of rhythm. Vanderbilt took away any thoughts of a let-down by scoring five goals in a three minute span midway through the half.
A handful of Commodores contributed to the victory. Senior Kendall Thrift, junior Margie Curran, and sophomore Cara Giordano each scored twice for Vanderbilt, while senior Brooke Shinaberry recorded seven saves and earned the win. It wasn’t a perfect second half for the Commodores, but it was the type of effort the coaching staff had been waiting for.
“I don’t remember the turnovers in the second half,” said coach Swezey. “I know we committed them, but we were able to overcome them and take advantage of our opportunities. Hopefully we can continue riding this [victory] for a little while.”
The Commodores will be back on the field this Tuesday afternoon when they host Lehigh at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex. The opening draw is scheduled for 12 Noon CT.
