Waterville, Maine - The Colby Women's Lacrosse team took on the #2 ranked Jumbos Saturday, falling just short 18-12. While the 6-goal deficit might seem like significant separation, the numbers don't tell the whole story.  

"We played well, really well," said head coach Karen Henning.  "Tufts has such an experienced group, traditionally ranked near the top every year, and their last lacrosse experience was a trip to the final four.  Our group doesn't have that same experience, but you wouldn't know it by watching how we played.  We didn't back down, and instead stepped up to the challenge on defense, on offense.  I am really proud of the team and the physical game we played."  

The first half was highly competitive, with both teams trading goals back and forth. Colby used a variety of attacks, feeding the middle, driving from the top, and even a crease roll through traffic. The five first-half goals were scored by four different attackers. On defense, the Mules certainly played a physical, high-pressure defense, with good slides and crashes to ball in the middle of the 8-meter arc. The aggressive style also led to five free-position shots for the Jumbos, two of which found their way into the back of the net. Tufts held a three-goal lead at the end of the first half.

 

The second period began with a Tufts fast break downfield, resulting in a 3 v 2 goal. The second half saw more 1 v 1 goals by Colby, with the attack drawing defenders away in an offensive stack. After a Tufts goal was called off due to a pocket depth violation, Colby turned the ball up-field and senior attacker Robyn Pirie (17) scored off of a crease roll. Two goals scored by sophomore attacker Annie Eddy (24) brought her total to three for the game, giving her a hat trick in both of her games to start the 2021 season. Defensively, Colby continued to play a physical high-pressure style, again resulting in free-position shots for Tufts,  Three of Tufts' second half goals came in this fashion. Notably, senior goalie Hannah Marino (55) saved two quick succession free-positions and ended with a total of 10 saves in the game.

Tufts played a physical man-to-man defense as well, also creating many 8-meter free-position shots for Colby. Eight different players scored for the Jumbos, with senior attacker Catherine Lawliss (17) scoring five. The Tufts attack unit scored on a combination of free-position shots, feeds to the middle, and man-up fast breaks. Junior goalie Molly Laliberty (32) was stellar early on, and put up an impressive 12 saves against Colby.

Next Game: Colby will play host to the Bates Bobcats at home on Saturday, April 17 at 1 pm.