March 14, 2007
DURHAM, N.C. — Duke fired early and handed the 16th ranked Vanderbilt an 18-6 loss Wednesday at Koskinen Stadium.
Vanderbilt faced a barrage of shots from the Blue Devil attackers, as Duke (6-1) tallied 50 shots in the contest, including 29 in the first half. Junior goalkeeper Brooke Shinaberry kept Vanderbilt in the game, stopping nine early shots to keep the score close at 5-1.
But led by senior Leigh Jester, Duke broke the game open, scoring five goals in a three-minute span to end the half with a 10-2 lead Vanderbilt was unable to generate enough offense, as the Commodores managed only three shots in the first half.
The second 30 minutes was more of the same as Duke fired an additional 21 shots on the Commodores. Jester finished with four goals, as did junior Caroline Cryer for the Blue Devils.
Defensively, Shinaberry finished with a season-high 13 saves on the afternoon. Junior Margie Curran led the Commodores in scoring, tallying a hat-trick, to continue to lead Vanderbilt offensively. Curran has tallied 16 goals already on the season.
Senior Jennifer Tapscott, junior Leslie Koch, and freshman Sarah Downing also scored goals for Vanderbilt, while senior Nicole Pugno aided with two assists. In all, the Commodores were outshot 50-15 and committed 20 turnovers.
Vanderbilt hopes its home field will help it get back to its winning ways on Sunday, as the Commodores play host to Hofstra on March 18 at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex. The opening draw is scheduled for 12 Noon CT.
