The Geneseo women’s lacrosse team recorded consecutive victories for the first time since early March with a win on home turf against the Rochester Institute of Technology on April 19 and at SUNY New Paltz on April 21.
Against RIT, sophomore standout Caroline Buonocore scored four goals and dished out two assists along with four draw controls. Junior Rachel Petrone had a game high of five goals to lead the way for the Knights.
Geneseo’s depth of talent showed in this game as five different players scored at least two goals. Sophomores Emily Haggerty and Meredith Weber and freshman Katey Hart each had two goals for the Knights.
“We definitely were able to put a full game together finally,” said head coach Carly Ritchlin. “I think we came out strong, and we were able to fight the entire game. I don’t think we let up at all.”
After scoring three straight goals and taking a 5-2 lead midway through the first half, Geneseo held onto the victory.
Key to the Knights’ success was junior Jenna Theofield’s defense against RIT junior Shelby Vakiener.
“[Theofield is] quick, she’s aggressive … and she loves getting inside people’s heads,” said Ritchlin. “It was fun to watch.”
Geneseo’s win over RIT was also Ritchlin’s 100th career victory. Ritchlin has had 95 wins in her nine seasons at Geneseo and recorded five wins in her one season as the coach of RIT.
Geneseo followed up its performance against RIT with a 19-7 win over host New Paltz. Buonocore led the way for Geneseo with six goals, one assist and five draw controls. Haggerty added five goals, one assist and five draws while Hart scored three times and had three draw controls for the Knights.
In response to an opening New Paltz goal just over a minute into the contest, Geneseo caught fire, scoring the next five. The Knights took an 11-5 halftime lead, cruising to victory. Junior goalie Julie Bernatzky recorded 15 stops to take the win for the Knights.
“Everyone was on … it was a truly balanced win” said Ritchlin.
Freshman Aileen Kurpis “went in and made a couple great plays for [Geneseo],” said Ritchlin. “She is getting better every time she steps on the field.”
Geneseo moves to 8-5 overall and 3-3 in conference play.
The Knights host SUNY Cortland, ranked second in the country, on Saturday April 28th. “It’s a must-win game for us to even be considered for the SUNYAC tournament this year … They are definitely beatable,” said Ritchlin. “We just need to relax, have fun and play a good game.”