March 11, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 10th-ranked Vanderbilt women’s lacrosse team plays host to 18th-ranked Boston University of Wednesday, March 12. The opening draw is schedule for 5 p.m. CT at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex.
Both squads are coming off their first loss of the season after facing highly ranked opponents on the road. Vanderbilt traveled to seventh-ranked North Carolina, where the Tar Heels were 12-5 winners on Saturday. For the Commodores (5-1), the attack will be looking to rebound after failing to score in double-figures for the first time this year.
Boston comes to Nashville after losing at top-ranked Northwestern. The Wildcats outshot the Terriers, 43-22, in that contest, and 14 saves by goalkeeper Rachel Klein could not hold down the three-time defending national champions.
Vanderbilt’s potent offense was held in check for the first time this season against UNC. Super sophomores Sarah Downing, Carter Foote and Laura Keenan rank first, third and fifth in scoring for the Commodores.
On Saturday, senior All-American Margie Curran led Vanderbilt with two goals and one assist, but the story of the game was Vanderbilt’s defense. Senior defenders Heather Koutrakos, Michele Slotke and All-American Sasha Cielak each picked up at least three ground balls in the game.
BU leads the all-time series against the Commodores, 3-2, though the teams have not met since the 2001 season. That game was played on a turf field surrounded by snow, with the Terriers winning, 15-7.
Senior Lauren Morton leads Boston (2-1) with 11 points on nine goals and two assists. Morton and midfielder Molly Collins are the only two seniors on Head Coach Liz Robertshaw’s squad.
Vanderbilt Head Coach Cathy Swezey counters with seven senior starters, including U.S. Developmental Team goalkeeper Brooke Shinaberry.
Wednesday’s game kicks off a four-game Vanderbilt homestand. The Commodores will play host to New Hampshire (March 15), Cornell (March 17) and Penn State (March 23) over the next two weeks before opening American Lacrosse Conference play on the road at Northwestern.