This past Saturday the Bison women’s lacrosse team took a stand against reigning conference champion and NCAA tournament team Robert Morris University in an impressive 17-6 victory. Both offensively and defensively, the Bison were on their A-game. Goals were scored by Katie Wendell ’22 (4), Tatumn Kohlbrenner ’24 (3), Amy Roche ’22 (2), Laurel McHale ’22 (2), Allie Boyce ’25 (2), Emma Cashwell’ 22 (1), Taylor Kopan ’24 (1), Colleen Kelly ’24 (1), and Phoebe Macleod ’24 (1). 

Early in the game it was clear that the Bison were dominating the field, eventually ending the first quarter with three goals to Robert Morris’ one, but victory wasn’t assured until the end of the third quarter when goals from Kohlbrenner, Kopan and Cashwell took the Bison lead to five. The team did especially well in the fourth quarter, locking down RMU and increasing their lead to the final 17-6 scoreline.

Wendell, who recorded a career high in goals, commented favorably on the team’s offensive performance. “The offense really turned it around this game,” Wendell said. “Having two weeks without a game we were able to continue to work on our chemistry as well as get in a good scout on RMU’s defense.”

She added that contributions from the University’s defense helped secure victory. “The defenders pushed us everyday in practice and we came to the game well prepared to go against RMU’s zone. I’m excited to keep building with the offense for the rest of the season to continue to see success.”

Indeed, the defense had an equally strong game. Abby Neff  ’22 secured seven ground balls and junior goalie Symone Ryans ’23 recorded 11 saves in her first game of the season and second in her career. Ella Payer ’23 spoke on behalf of the defensive unit. “Defensively, we never let up on intensity,” Payer explained, noting that “We really worked as a unit, and had some big plays and possessions that created key opportunities for the offense! In the fourth quarter, we set a goal to not let them score and we were proud to achieve that.

“All around, the energy was amazing on the defensive end!” 

“Saturday was a great team win,” Ryans noted of the game. “We had a game plan and we stuck to it. Every aspect of our team did a great job from attack, to midfield, to defense we played very cohesively and we didn’t stop until the last whistle. Our defense especially was super solid; they made my job a lot easier and gave me that shots I wanted to see. Defense had my back and I had theirs.”

“We have a busy couple of weeks ahead of us preparing for Patriot League play,” she acknowledged, “but we are really excited and ready for it.”

The victory this past weekend took the Bison to a 1-1 season. Seniors Neff and Wendell as well as junior Ryans earned Patriot League defensive, offensive and goalie of the week respectively for their performance. The Bison will look to continue their excellent play as they take on Duquesne at home on March 2 at 5 p.m. before traveling to New York to take on St. Bonaventure at 3 p.m. on Saturday March 5.