PHILADELPHIA, PA. 4/22/2018 – The University of Pennsylvania women’s lacrosse team came into the game with the Harvard Crimson undefeated in Ivy League play. This was an important game for Penn who is battling for the top seed and home field in the Ivy League Tournament. For # 9 Penn it was Senior Day, an emotional day, as well as a perfect day for lacrosse weather-wise. The Quakers were ready. It was an offensive show, and the Red and Blue won a 24 – 13 decision over the Crimson at Franklin Field. It was the most goals scored by Penn in an Ivy League contest, and their highest offensive output since scoring 25 against Franklin and Marshall in 1977.
The Quakers started quickly scoring the first three goals of the game in less than three minutes. A good start was key for the hosts.
“In the last two games we have come out stronger in the first half, and we have to keep that momentum going,” said Penn Coach Karin Corbett. “We had to have a good offensive day.”
The lead would grow to 5 – 1 in the first five minutes. Harvard has a high scoring team and would not fade, and got the game even at 5. Penn answered by scoring the next eight goals to take a 13 – 5 lead with 11:29 to play. Midfielder Erin Barry found the back of the net three times during that run. At intermission the score stood at 14 – 8. The U of P needed to show resilience, and did.
“This team knows how to fight for sixty minutes,” Corbett said. “They’ve shown that all year. We have to show that if we want to win this title.”
To say this half was a slug fest is an understatement. The Quakers led led 27 – 17 in shots in the first twenty minutes. The Crimson made 7 saves to only 2 for the Red and Blue. Both teams changed goal keepers.
The second half settled, but was still in doubt until Penn, leading 19 – 12 scored 4 straight goals to stretch the lead to 11 and take control. Freshman Attack Zoe Belodeau had two goals in that span.
They had to win this with offense because the Bostonians could score.
“I was hoping to limit them a little more in goals,” Corbett said.
Belodeau and Barry led Penn with 5 goals each. Belodeau added 4 assists. Emily Rogers-Healion and Caroline Cummings had 4 each, and Alex Condon rounded out the multiple goal scorers with 3 goals. Rogers-Healion led the team with 5 assists.
Julia Glynn topped the Crimson with 6 goals giving her 65 for the season. Keeley MacAfee netted 3 goals to reach the 50-goal mark.
Penn had a 44 – 37 edge in shots, and a 12 – 7 advantage in caused turnovers.
The Quakers stay on top, unbeaten in the Ancient Eight. Lurking behind Penn is rival Princeton and Dartmouth who have one loss each. The Quakers (11 – 2, 5 – 0) travel to Princeton on Wednesday before closing out the season at Yale. Looks like it will come down to Penn and Princeton, but don’t overlook Dartmouth.
“This title always goes through Princeton,” said the Penn Coach. “It is in our hands, but it is always a battle.”
For Penn, they control their own destiny.
NOTES: This was Senior Day at Franklin Field. Prior to the game the team honored; Katie Cromie, Natalie Stefan, Caroline Cummings, Alex Condon, and Mo Leitner. The upperclassmen played well in an emotional setting.
“They did great, and I was pleased with them,” said Corbett. “That was a real team effort in every way.”
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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