Feb. 19, 2007
FREE Audio: Swezey’s Post-Game Comments
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Vanderbilt women’s lacrosse team started the 2007 season by cruising to an 18-5 victory over the Albany Great Danes Monday. Lead by four goals each from junior Margie Curran and sophomore Cara Giordano, the 19th-ranked Commodores burst out to a 10-0 lead midway through the first half and never looked back.
Vanderbilt Head Coach Cathy Swezey hoped for a fast start, and got exactly that as the Commodores scored three goals within the first two minutes of the contest. Vanderbilt outshot the Great Danes, 25-6, in the first half and took a 13-1 lead into halftime.
With the game firmly in its grasp, Vanderbilt slowed the tempo in the second, yet still outscored Albany, 5-4, and outshot the Danes, 13-6. Overall, it was a good effort for the first game of the season.
“I am pleased with our team’s performance,” Coach Swezey said. “There were several girls that popped into my mind that had great games, and then I realized I was thinking about just about everybody. I feel like every person on our squad stepped up, and that’s what you want to see on the first day.”
Curran led the way for the Commodores, registering four goals and an assist. Giordano added four goals while senior Kendall Thrift had three goals and assist.
It was also a big afternoon for the Commodore freshmen, who made an immediate impact in their first collegiate game. Anastasia Adam received the starting nod from Coach Swezey and tallied two goals and an assist. Sarah Downing, Laura Keenan, and Carter Foote also scored goals to aid in the victory.
“We could tell from the first time they stepped onto the field in the fall that they were going to make a big impression on our program, and they have,” Coach Swezey said of the freshmen. “They don’t play nervous or tight. They just go out and play confident, and that’s exactly what we want to see from them.”
The victory celebration will be short-lived for the Commodores, who now turn their attention to defending national champion Northwestern. The Wildcats come to Nashville on Sunday, Feb. 25th, for a 1 p.m. CT game.
