The Geneseo women’s lacrosse team has dealt with many game cancellations and reschedulings, but when the Knights finally get the opportunity to play, they make a statement. Due to the recent inclement weather, the team has yet to play a home game. The most recent game against No. 17 St. John Fisher was intended to be a home game for Geneseo, but was moved to the Cardinals’ turf field.
Coming off their first loss of the season to SUNY Cortland, the Knights looked to bounce back with a win over another ranked opponent.
It was a back-and-forth match as the teams traded goals throughout the game before Geneseo was able to eventually pull ahead and secure the 11-8 victory.
The Knights were led by senior midfielder Emily Haggerty and sophomore midfielder Liz Felix, who tallied three goals each.
Head coach Carly Ritchlin had a lot of praise for her team after the win.
“Our St. John Fisher game was a big win for us,” Ritchlin said. “Having to travel up to their field for our ‘home’ game is not ideal. But the players have handled it well and expect to win no matter what conditions.”
The Knights are looking forward to playing their first home game, as there is always an advantage in playing on familiar ground in front of loyal fans. For now, however, the team is focused on improving and playing at the high performance level Ritchlin has trained her team to strive for – something that she acknowledges does not come without pressure.
“Every game is going to be a battle from here on out; when you are ranked, you have an x on your back,” Ritchlin said. “Everyone is going to bring their best game, everyone wants to beat a ranked opponent.”
Everything seems to be clicking for the Knights. Ritchlin noted how the defense has been stepping up and keeping Geneseo in the game. The offense has continued to get stronger in all aspects, particularly with working together as a cohesive unit.
“We work every day in practice to get better at the little things, because the little things make the big difference in a win or loss,” Ritchlin said.
Editor’s note:
The women’s lacrosse team took down SUNY Fredonia 9-8 on Wednesday April 9.
No. 6 junior attack Katey Hart scored a hat trick in the win, including the game-winning goal with two minutes and 47 seconds remaining. Sophomore midfielder Liz Felix, who assisted Hart’s final goal, had two assists and one goal of her own on the day.