Binghamton’s women’s lacrosse team headed to Niagara Wednesday for a chance to avenge a loss from last year, as it continued to prepare for conference play. Fortunately for the Bearcats, this year’s matchup would fare much better, as they came away with a 14-12 victory over the Purple Eagles, equaling their highest Division I win total in the process.
“We were able to execute some things that we have been working on,” said head coach Emily Edmonston in a press release after the game. “Hopefully, the strong play will continue as we head into our second conference game this weekend.”
The first 20 minutes was a see-saw battle for the Bearcats (4-7), trading goal for goal with the host Purple Eagles (5-5). From there, Niagara scored the next three as the halftime whistle drew near.
Not to be denied, Binghamton fired back strong. Midfielders Lauren Wetherell and Kelsey Pieper both hit the back of the net within a minute of each other, as the Bearcats closed the deficit to one at the break.
“The run that we made was us really getting the job done and finishing our shots,” said junior midfielder Anna Riordan.
Whatever coach Edmonston said in the locker room must have worked, as Binghamton notched the first five goals of the second half. Two of those goals belonged to Riordan, who had a career day with five scores.
“It felt great to have a game like that,” Riordan said, “but the game was so close I wasn’t thinking about that. All I could think about was the win.”
Binghamton’s run spanned two halves and included nine goals. The Bearcats went from down three to a commanding 12-8 lead while holding Niagara scoreless for nearly 20 minutes.
Attacks Heather Grose and Kristen Marsjanik both made offensive contributions for the Bearcats, notching two scores apiece. Danielle Edwards, Julia Demuth and Leanne Musso also hit the back of the cage for Binghamton. The goals by Grose and Demuth continued impressive scoring streaks of five and six games, respectively.
Sophomore goalkeeper Sandra Alvarez turned in another strong performance, making nine saves in the contest.
Binghamton will return to action tomorrow for an important and very winnable America East contest at Albany beginning at 3 p.m. The Great Danes are currently 0-2 in the conference and were picked to finish in sixth place before the season, one spot ahead of the Bearcats.