Women’s Varsity Lacrosse added a fourth win to their season, defeating Allegheny’s Lady Gators 11-7 in a North Coast Athletic Conference home game. Led by first-year Anna Ialeggio and sophomore Alexis Stoller, the team has become fierce and dynamic.
“I think we have made a ridiculous amount of progress in a very short time,” Ialeggio said. “Like in a good way, ridiculous. Well, the majority — not the majority, — a lot of people on the team started from scratch as we began the season. And quite a few of them are starting. Everyone on the team is really proud of each other. We make personal signs for each other that highlight the goals for the games that we’re playing.”
In compiling a 4-7 record, the team has pulled itself together to make a real turnaround with a roster that lacks prior experience.
“Since the spring break trip that we took to California, we spent a lot of time together which has allowed us to trust each other, on the field and off the field. We definitely have a lot of fun together,” Stoller said.
Ialeggio’s performance led the way against Allegheny by scoring four goals. Junior Brie Quinn put three goals in the net, while senior Laura Kent-Monning and sophomore Maggie Douglas contributed two goals each.
With only three home games all season, the team is growing tired as the semester comes to a close, but their game keeps getting better.
“It’s a really hard balance academically,” says Stoller. “Physically, it can be tiring. Playing a varsity sport is extremely demanding.”
Despite this, the Yeowomen have made marked improvement since the opening of the season, spurred on by strong leadership and solid backup.
“Laura Kent-Monning and Briana Quinn have been amazing leaders for our team this year,” Stoller said of the team’s veterans. “Their energy, enthusiasm, and poise have helped many of the younger players feel accepted as vital parts of the group.”
The Yeowomen’s improvement has been bolstered by continuing to be a team off the field, as well.
“This is sort of silly,” Stoller said with a laugh. “Bombs over Baghdad is our team jam which, after a couple of wins this year, as a group, we went to the ’Sco and danced to our song together.”
Oberlin will play its third and final home game on Saturday at 12 p.m. at the athletic fields. “Everyone should come and be extremely rowdy,” Ialeggio said.