Feb. 16, 2011
NASHVILLE – Despite outshooting its opponent, 38-23, the 11th-ranked Vanderbilt women’s lacrosse team fell in its home opener, 14-10, to third-ranked North Carolina Wednesday at the VU Lacrosse Complex.
Tar Heel goalkeeper Lauren Maksym made 15 saves on the day and the Commodores hit the woodwork three other times, negating their shot advantage. Vanderbilt held sizable edge in draw controls (17-9), but could not capitalize on winning possession.
North Carolina scored the first four goals of the game before junior Kelly Connors got the Commodores on the board in the 14th minute. Freshman Katie Mastropieri would connect on a free position shot to bring the Dores with two at 4-2.
The Tar Heels scored another three straight goals before Vanderbilt answered. Tallies by junior Alex Priddy, senior Emily Franke and junior Courtney Kirk got Vanderbilt back within two at halftime, 7-5.
Franke scored three minutes into the second half to pull Vanderbilt within a goal, but the Tar Heels got three straight goals to expand the lead to four with 17 minutes to play. The Dores would get no closer than three the rest of the way, as UNC stalled for the final seven minutes.
The Commodores were by Franke’s four goals, while Kirk added two goals and an assist. Junior All-American Ally Carey tallied nine draw controls, three caused turnovers and three ground balls to lead the Commodores in all three categories.
Carolina was led by Corey Donohoe’s five-goal, two-assist performance, while Becky Lynch added four goals of her own.
The Commodores will continue their four-game homestand next Tuesday, Feb. 22, when Canisius visits the VU Lacrosse Complex at 2 p.m. CT. The second half of the homestand features games against American Lacrosse Conference rival Northwestern (Feb. 27) and Cincinnati (March 2).
