LAX: No. 14 'Dores defeat No. 12 Penn State

March 21, 2010

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Overcoming a halftime deficit and a constant downpour, the No. 14 Vanderbilt lacrosse team (5-3, 1-0) defeated the No. 12 Penn State Nittany Lions (4-3, 0-1) at the VU Lacrosse Complex to pick up its first ALC conference win of the season, 20-14. Senior Carter Foote and Sophomore Ally Carey led the Commodores with five goals each.

Carey turned in another dominant performance in the win. Along with the five goals, she recorded nine draw controls, three ground balls, and two caused turnovers.

“We’re really proud of the way the team played in the second half,” said Commodore Head Coach Cathy Swezey. “As coaches, we’re really pleased with how much the team has improved over the past two weeks.”

Sophomore Alex Priddy’s goal with 18:05 remaining in the first half put the ‘Dores up 4-2 before the Nittany Lions stormed back with four goals of their own to make it 6-4. Laura Lesnick gave Penn State a 10-8 lead going into the halftime with her goal at the 0:08 mark in the first half.

In the second half, the Commodores were quick to regain the lead, as senior Anastasia Adam’s two goals tied the game and junior Katherine Denkler’s goal with 24:21 gave Vanderbilt the lead.

After Jen Steadman gave Penn State another tie with 20:38 left in the second half, Vanderbilt reeled off seven straight goals to make the score 18-11. Senior Sarah Downing’s goal with 1:55 remaining sealed off the win for the ‘Dores.

Molly Fernandez and Theresa Zichelli each had four goals to lead the Nittany Lions.

The Commodores will return to action on Wednesday, March 24, when they travel to take on Notre Dame. The next home game at the VU Lacrosse Complex will be Saturday, April 3, against Johns Hopkins.