April 14, 2010
VESTAL, N.Y. – The No. 9 Vanderbilt lacrosse team extended its school record streak of consecutive wins to nine on Wednesday as the Commodores (10-3, 3-0) defeated Binghamton (1-10) at the Bearcats Sports Complex, 23-11. A total of 11 Commodores scored goals, led by senior Carter Foote with five goals.
“I thought we had a slow start,” said Vanderbilt Head Coach Cathy Swezey. “Fortunately, we were able to overcome some obstacles and get our offense going. It was a good turnaround.”
After falling down 2-0 after Beth Moore’s goal with 23:22 remaining in the first half, the Commodores rallied for three straight goalsâ€â€Âincluding two back-to-back goals by Katherine Denkler with 22:43 and 22:24 remaining in the first halfâ€â€Âto take the lead.
The Bearcats staged a comeback of their own, fighting back for a 7-5 advantage after Kristen Stone’s score with 10:18 left in the first half. However, the Commodores went on to score five consecutive goals before heading into halftime up 12-8.
Ali Castiglie’s goal two minutes into the second half was the closest the Bearcats would get to the Commodores for the rest of the game. Vanderbilt put together impressive runs of six and five consecutive goals to put the game out of reach. Courtney Kirk’s goal with 3:04 remaining sealed the win for the ‘Dores.
Denkler finished with four goals in the win, while also picking up a ground ball and recording two draw controls. Senior Sarah Downing totaled three goals, three ground balls, and two caused turnovers. Sophomore Ally Carey, senior Allie Frank, and junior Emily Franke each finished with two goals, respectively. Carey was also strong defensively, recording two caused turnovers, two draw controls, and three draw controls.
Sophomore goalkeeper Natalie Wills picked up another winning decision with ten saves.
The ‘Dores will return to action on Sunday, April 18, when they travel to Gainesville, Florida, to face the Florida Gators. The meeting will be the first between the two schools, as the Gator lacrosse program is in its first year. With a win on Sunday, Vanderbilt would secure a first round bye in the upcoming ALC Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Game time is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT.
