The women’s lacrosse team entered a tough two-week stretch against top-10 opponents this past Sunday against Duke. The no. 2 Hoyas remained undefeated after a highly contested match but the victory was hard fought.
Junior attacker Sarah Oliphant took the Blue Devils by the horns and scored the first goal less than two minutes into the game. Although no. 5 Duke responded with a tying goal, Georgetown went scored four more, bringing their lead to 5-1.
Although things were looking up for the Hoyas, the Devils rallied with two more goals, but another pair of Hoyas goals sent Duke reeling. After another furious Duke rally, Georgetown was left clinging to a one-goal lead. Luckily, veteran offense saved the day for the Hoyas, as goals from Junior attacker Catherine Elbe and Junior midfielder Allison Chambers gave the Hoyas another three-goal lead.
Although Duke mounted a final offensive rally, they came up short scoring only two goals. With the Hoyas holding tight defensively, the Devils were unable to get a final shot, making the final score 9-8.
This was Senior midfielder and co-captain Anouk Peters’ first game back from injury, and her hat trick certainly aided in the team’s victory. Junior midfielder Allison Chamber’s one goal and two assists were also key in the team win.
During a team breakfast, it was obvious that the Hoyas were glad to claim victory after the close contest. “We didn’t play our best game, but we were able to pull it off.” Chambers said.
The Hoyas’ Head Coach, Kim Simon, was equally satisfied. “I am pleased to win against Duke on the road,” said Simon, who has coached the team for the past eight seasons. “We can improve as a team,” Simon said. “We hope to do that on Friday.”
Friday the Hoyas face off against the no. 1 Princeton Tigers in what should be an intense game. “Our games with Princeton have been close, usually decided by one goal,” Simon, a former Tigers player herself, said. “We are real excited to be in a no. 1 vs. no. 2 game.”
The team seems well prepared for the game’s challenges and stress as well. “[Simon] knows what we’re capable of, so she keeps pushing us,” Chambers said. Although the team has suffered injuries, Georgetown has learned how to win regardless of their line-up. “We play best when playing as a team,” Oliphant said.
Despite Simon’s caution, the team seems ready to attack. We’ve been working hard and we’re excited for our next challenge,” Oliphant said. “Princeton won’t know what hit ‘em,” Chambers added.
The Hoya women are 5-0 and 2-0 in conference play heading into the Princeton game this Friday. Face off is scheduled for 4p.m. at Kehoe Field.
