April 13, 2007
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The 15th ranked Vanderbilt lacrosse team (8-4, 2-1) travels to Columbus, Ohio this weekend for the final American Lacrosse Conference game of the season when it takes on Ohio State (6-4). The opening draw is scheduled for 12 noon ET.
“This match-up with Ohio State is always a close game, regardless of the records of either team,” said head coach Cathy Swezey. “They are a very experienced team who always seem to play their best against us, so it’s going to be exciting.”
Coming off the Commodores’ 11-10 sudden-victory over Johns Hopkins on Sunday, Vanderbilt is 2-1 in conference play and can wrap up at least the number two seed in the conference tournament with a victory over the Buckeyes on Sunday.
After dropping the first conference game of the year against Northwestern, Vanderbilt has responded by defeating Penn State and Johns Hopkins to take over sole possession of second place. The game against the Nittany Lions has proven to be a turning point in the Commodores’ season, with Vanderbilt posting a 5-1 record over its last six games.
What has pleased Coach Swezey the most about the past few weeks is the team has started to play with confidence and find an identity for itself, and it is a trend the coaching staff hopes continues throughout the rest of the regular season and on into the postseason.
“I think the best way to put it is they are feeling pride,” Coach Swezey said. “They are taking pride in themselves, and pride in the program and want to meet the expectations. This team has a great deal of confidence in itself, and realizes it has one huge conference game remaining, and they control their own destiny.”
Major Milestones for Two Commodores
The victory over Johns Hopkins on Sunday was a significant win for the Commodores in more ways than one. Junior Margie Curran scored four goals for Vanderbilt, giving her 34 goals on the season. Her fourth goal of the game also gave Curran her 100th goal in a Commodore uniform.
Senior Kendall Thrift, who was named the ALC Player of the Week after scoring the game winner against John Hopkins, also tallied three assists in the victory, putting her in some very elite company. Thrift is now tied with Kristin Ehst (96-99) and Michelle Allen (02-04) as the all-time Commodore assist leader with 57. With three games remaining in the regular season, it appears she soon will be stand by herself in the record books.
“Kendall is absolutely playing out of her mind right now, and to see her reach the level she is as a senior is a dream come true,” said Coach Swezey. “As far as Margie is concerned, from the time we recruited her, we knew she had the potential to be one of the top players in the country, and I think she’s stepping up to show that. But both of these girls have really lead what has proven to be a total team effort, and I think that’s the reason for the success we’re having.”
