In an extremely low-scoring game, the Binghamton women’s lacrosse team came up short in a battle of grit and grind, falling, 4-3, to Marist (3-3) on Saturday. The seven combined goals are the lowest in Binghamton program history, as the Bearcats (3-4) struggled to create offensive chances against an energized Marist defense.
“It was a really tough loss for us and we’re trying to move forward,” BU head coach Stephanie Allen said. “It was just not our day on the offensive end. We’re working to improve on this.”
The Bearcats started the game strongly, as junior midfielder Callon Williams scored her 11th goal of the season just over four minutes into the first half — Williams has scored in every game so far this season for the Bearcats. After the Red Foxes evened the score at one, freshman midfielder Rebecca Golderman broke the tie by scoring in her fifth consecutive game to hand Binghamton the lead at halftime.
Marist tied the game at two with a goal early in the second half, but Binghamton didn’t take long to strike back. Golderman broke through the defense for a second time to give BU a 3-2 lead with 22:57 remaining. But after 18 scoreless minutes, the Red Foxes scored consecutive goals to take — and hold — a late lead in the defensive stalemate. Both teams posted clearing percentages under 80 percent while combining for 31 total turnovers.
“Our defense has been pushing themselves on a daily basis,” Allen said. “They’re playing really well together as a unit. No matter who’s in the game, they’re looking to support one another and back each other. They’re taking risks and it’s paying off right now.”
While the Bearcats struggled offensively throughout the game, their defense shined despite the loss. Binghamton forced the Red Foxes into 14 turnovers and, once again, both of BU’s goalies were bright spots in the net. Sophomore Emma Jehle allowed just one goal over 20 minutes of playing time while senior Erin McNulty made seven saves in the cage.
“Both goalies have really been challenging each other on a weekly basis,” Allen said. “We’re pretty pleased with their consistency.”
The Bearcats have just three non-conference games remaining in the season, before opening up America East play at home against New Hampshire on April 2. After playing five of its first seven contests on the road, two of BU’s next three games will occur in Vestal.
Binghamton is set to continue its non-conference stretch against Sacred Heart. First draw against the Pioneers is set for noon on Sunday from the Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York.