Women's lacrosse can't handle Dartmouth

The No. 14 Syracuse University women’s lacrosse team fell to 3-6 (1-0 Big East) Monday following a loss to No. 19 Dartmouth at Lebanon, N.H.

The Orange started off strong as it took a 5-3 lead into halftime, thanks to two goals by senior Catherine Rodriguez, her ninth and tenth of the season. Goals were also scored by freshman Alyssa Murray, her ninth of the season, sophomore Michelle Tumolo, her twelfth, and Lindsey Connell, her sixth.

The Big Green, however, erased the Orange’s two-goal advantage right off the bat in the second half, as Kirsten Goldberg scored two goals within the first four minutes, including a goal less than one minute into the period.

The Orange was able to contain the Big Green’s momentum for a while, as Sarah Holden scored her thirteenth goal of the season off of a free-position shot at the 25-minute mark to regain a 6-5 lead. But the Big Green responded scoring five unanswered goals, two of which were scored by Sarah Plumb off of two free-position shots. Goldberg, Kat Collins and Greta Meyer also scored during the run.

Despite a 26-21 lead in the shot column, the Orange lost 10-7 and has now lost three out of its last four games. The Orange ended the game neck-and-neck with Dartmouth in a number of categories, including ground balls (19-19), draw controls (10-9 Orange), and turnovers (17-16 Orange). The Orange did lose the goalkeeping battle as Liz Hogan saved six shots and allowed all ten Dartmouth goals. Kristen Giovanniello saved ten and allowed all seven Syracuse goals.

The Orange also lost the second half battle, as it was outscored 7-2 in the second half, but the Orange was missing starters Tee Ladouceur and Lindsay Rogers due to injuries.

As for the Big Green, they are now 7-1 (3-0 Ivy) and have won four straight games. Plumb led the team with eight points, three of those coming from goals and the other five coming from assists.

The Big Green will return to the field Saturday to host Cornell.

The Orange ended its six-game road trip 2-4 and will return to the field Friday at 4pm to host the University of Connecticut Lady Huskies.