With a four-game streak of victories by a margin of seven goals or more, the Georgetown women’s lacrosse team is on a convincing campaign for the postseason. Most recently, the women’s lacrosse team defeated Louisville 19-11, smack dab in the middle of a Big East run. After a rough three-game losing streak at the beginning of the season, the team has been on the rebound, only losing one of its last six contests—to top-20 Loyola in a 15-14 overtime match.
Head Coach Ricky Fried says that the early losses have helped get the team to where it is now. “Biggest thing is we’ve improved over the course of the year,” said Fried. “[We’ve] attested ourselves with some top competition and while we’re disappointed with those results, I think it’s paid dividends for us down the road.”
The streak is all the more impressive because of the depth and youth of the squad this year. At the beginning of the season, Fried said that the players’ athleticism would be a crucial factor in the team’s success this season, and so far this has proven true. The talent of junior midfielder and returning star Sophia Thomas has certainly played a large offensive role for the Hoyas. Leading the squad with 37 points, she has led by example for the youth of the team.
Freshman Caroline Tarzian is trailing Thomas closely, with 32 points on the season. Tarzian has started all 12 games this season, and has surprised fans with her aggressive scoring techniques. But she wasn’t expecting all of this success, and has been humbled by her Georgetown lacrosse experience.
“I knew I would be able to make an impact but I didn’t know how much,” said Tarzian, “It’s really exciting to be able to play as much as I am.”
Fried is impressed with her gritty play, saying that she’s living up to his expectations. “She’s really stepped in and hasn’t missed a beat since high school,” Fried said, “We’re excited about how she’s doing.”
The lefty attack certainly has an edge over defenders with her quickness. “She plays fearlessly,” said Fried. “She is a very athletic, determined player who has worked into our system rather well.”
Tarzian is quick to point out that there was an opening for her. “Our offense is relatively new,” she said. “Our only returning attacker is Dina [Jackson].” But her success isn’t just luck:
she was ranked number 16 in the top 25 rising freshman in the country.
“She’s stepped up,” Fried said. “Not only can she dive, but she can distribute the ball.” On her strategy for the rest of the season, Tarizan is keeping her goals simple. “[I want] to do the best that I can out there with the time that I’m given.”
She’ll need to continue to step up as the Hoyas reach their final stretch in the season. The team will face No. 3 Syracuse next on the road, and then No. 11 Notre Dame and No. 2 Maryland the following week.
