Lady Lax Take Two in NCAC

The women's lacrosse team officially began the Liz Graham era Mar. 22, as the Lady Stickers lost a tight match to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), 8-7. Spring break took the squad to Colorado to face one of the toughest teams in the country in Colorado College. After falling 14-6 loss, the women notched their first victory of the season, beating Regis University 4-0. The Yeowomen then returned to Ohio to launch the NCAC season with consecutive wins at Earlham College and Wittenberg University, 17-3 and 12-8, respectively.

The team's first game in Colorado was against mighty Colorado College, who were coming off a tough loss to Williams. Though the Yeowomen gave a valiant effort, they could not withstand the Tigers' high-powered offense. "Colorado was a significant loss," said senior Irit Altman, "but we showed at points in the game that we had the skills and talent to play with them. We need to keep that focus for the entire game." Colorado College upped its record to 5-3 after the victory, while the Yeowomen fell to 0-2.

The women next traveled to Regis University in Denver, CO to challenge the Regis Lady Rangers (ed. note - Regis is a Division II school, but their women's lacrosse team competes separately). The Yeowomen got off 12 shots, while the Rangers could muster only four. Oberlin was up 2-0 at the half, and they scored two more in the second stanza, handing Regis their ninth straight loss, 4-0. It was the first win of the year for Oberlin.

"Playing against Regis felt like playing against a women's football team," said Altman. "More than anything, the game was a test of mental focus for us, and we came out on top."

The Colorado sojourn allowed the team to work out some kinks and become more familiar with first year Coach Liz Graham. "Details need to be worked out," said Grindle. "Everyday things. We have a lot of skilled individuals, but we need to work together."

Though Graham's coaching style differs from that of the previous coach, Mindy Manolovich, the team is taking to her quickly. "I'm amazed at her ability," said sophomore Courtney Smith. "Coaching is natural for her."

After deposing NCAC foes Earlham on Saturday and Wittenberg on Sunday, the Yeowomen prepared for their scrimmage against Division II Gannon University from Erie, PA. Gannon came out strong and kept a break-neck pace for the entire game, vanquishing Oberlin 21-7.

"Their players played really cohesively," said Smith. "They had really strong individual players."

The loss to Gannon will not count against the Yeowomen's record because it was only a scrimmage. Their record currently stands at 3-2, 2-0 NCAC.

Though their record is below expectations for the three time conference champions, the women are not worried. "We have been successful on fast breaks and we have been scoring off set plays," said Grindle. "I'm confident that we have a lot of skill and potential to go very far."

The team also sees strength in its coach and veteran leaders. "Liz is a grounding force for everyone," said Smith. "And the team itself is strong because we have strong returning players and a lot of camaraderie."

"In different games, different people have stepped up," said Grindle. "We have a lot of skill on the starting line-up and the bench."

The Yeowomen look to exploit this skill against their tough NCAC competition. The Yeowomen travel to Wooster Apr. 12 to take on the Fighting Scots. Game time is 4:30 p.m.