Finding the ability to finish close games has been an issue for the Binghamton women’s lacrosse team throughout the season. That problem again appeared on Saturday in BU’s 9-8 overtime loss to New Hampshire.
Through 11 games, Binghamton (4-7, 0-1 America East) has yet to collect back-to-back wins and is currently in the midst of its first losing streak of the season, dropping three consecutive games in the last two weeks. For a young team like BU, however, that comes as part of adjusting to college play.
Following a home victory on March 20 over Sacred Heart, the Bearcats closed out non-conference play against two tough opponents — no. 18 Ohio State and no. 20 Cornell. They dropped both contests, 10-5, and 14-5, respectively. Freshman midfielder Rebecca Golderman, sophomore midfielder Jacqueline Kennedy and senior attack Sophia Racciatti highlighted the score column for BU as Golderman picked up a hat trick in the loss to Cornell, while Racciatti and Kennedy added goals in both contests.
As one of the core underclassmen, Golderman has excelled in helping the Bearcats’ attack run smoothly. Already established as a leader for the team, the rookie currently leads BU in both goals (19) and total points (21). Over the last three games, she has tallied six goals and is peaking at just the right time.
“We’re really proud of Rebecca,” BU head coach Stephanie Allen said. “She got those freshman jitters out of the way in the fall and has really stepped up and made a big impact in the spring.”
Although the losses were large, the scores were not reflective of BU’s intensity — especially as it continues to prepare for the rest of conference play against some of the nation’s best lacrosse teams.
“We’re still trying to build [a winning tradition] with a younger program and players that haven’t necessarily been in that position as often as some of our opponents have,” Allen said.
Opening conference play at home, the Bearcats came out strong against New Hampshire (5-6, 1-0 AE), rattling off three straight goals to take a commanding 3-0 lead. As they headed into the locker room with a 6-4 lead, it seemed as though the Bearcats might earn their first win against the Wildcats in program history.
With an 8-6 lead and less than two minutes left in regulation, BU seemed to be control. The resilient Wildcats, however, got to within one point with 1:30 left in the match on an unassisted shot by sophomore midfielder Carly Wooters. UNH capitalized off this late score when sophomore attack Krissy Schafer scored with six seconds left in the game to force overtime.
The momentum was clearly in UNH’s corner and with just over a minute into the overtime period, Wooters beat BU junior goalkeeper Erin McNulty to record her 20th goal of the season and hand the Bearcats the loss.
“UNH is a top-level, top-notch team that’s been in that position before,” Allen said. “And fortunately for them, they’ve figured out how to win.”
Junior midfielder Valerie DeNapoli turned in a strong performance, registering her second career hat trick.
BU’s defense, led by senior captain Allie Rodgers, also shined on Saturday. Rodgers broke her season record for forced turnovers in the game against New Hampshire, causing her 27th of the season to tie the program career record.
The Bearcats are set to return to action on Wednesday at Albany. First draw is scheduled for 2 p.m. from John Fallon Field in Albany, New York.