Photo courtesy of RJB Sports Photography
Charlotte Wagner ’17 scored two goals for MHC.
BY ANNA BALLOU ’20
Mount Holyoke Lacrosse opened its season at Gordon College this past Saturday. Although the Lyons eventually fell 10-5, the game featured a resilient and diverse squad. The team saw impressive efforts from its veteran seniors as well as from players making their college lacrosse de- buts.
Gordon scored the first two goals of the game before being held scoreless for 11 minutes. Charlotte Wagner ’17 posted an excellent offensive effort and scored Mount Holyoke’s first goal with 13:53 remaining in the first half. Julianna Rankin ’20 followed with a goal shortly before the 10-minute mark. Two more Gordon goals closed out the half, with Mount Holyoke trailing 4-2.
The Lyons saw a newfound surge of energy coming out of the half and dominated the offensive play. Mary LaVigne ’20 scored an unassisted goal just two minutes into the start of the half, while Wagner tied the game at 4-4 with her second goal of the match. Gordon countered with a goal of their own, but Rankin evened the score with a conversion on a pass from Leila Kouakou ’18. Gordon then went on a scoring streak, earning five more goals before the close of the game.
Mount Holyoke held an advantage in shots on goal in both halves and goalkeeper Isa Rodriguez ’17 made eight solid stops in net. Although the team did not open play with a win, they are optimistic about the upcoming season. Wagner, who is in her last season with MHC lacrosse, comments on the team’s expected growth and unity. She remarked, “It was hard fought. It was a close game and tied up at a few points. They snuck a few in during the last part of the second half. We can’t wait for the rest of the season though.” Lacrosse returns to action on Saturday, March 4 at home versus Bridgewater State University.