Feb. 7, 2016
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Vanderbilt lacrosse team opened up its 2016 season with a commanding 16-6 road victory over the Kennesaw State Owls.
“We are happy to open up our season with a good win,” said head coach Cathy Swezey. “Kennesaw looked strong, but our girls stepped up and players took over when necessary.”
Vandy got off to a quick start, earning four goals before the Owls could answer with one of their own. The Commodores scored eight goals a half, with Ashlin Dolan earning her career-high just 16 minutes into Sunday’s game.
Overall, Eight players scored, five notched multiple goals and three recorded hat tricks.
Dolan, a redshirt junior led the Commodore squad, with her four goals on just seven shots. Vanderbilt outshot the Owls 38-15, forcing KSU’s goalie to make 12 saves. Vanderbilt’s additional two hat tricks came from upperclassmen Jill Doherty and Kelly Chandler.
Vanderbilt maintained possession for most of the game, winning the draw control battle 17-4. Named to last season’s 2015 Inside Lacrosse All-Rookie Team, Margaret Fee led both teams in draw controls with four.
On the defensive end, the Dores back line only forced junior goalkeeper, Callahan Kent, to make only five saves for the black and gold, facing 11 shots on goal.
“Ashlin Dolan really set the tone early for us and it was good to have her back and healthy on the field. Marge (Fee) did a great job on the draw and our defensive unit shut down their top threat. We are happy overall and will address some of our weaknesses over the next week.”
The Commodores welcome fans next weekend for their home opener, as the team takes on the Furman Paladins on Feb. 13th at 12:00 pm.
