by Kathryne Mason
Staff Writer
Norfolk, VA. – The Lady Monarchs lacrosse team had a little bit more than home field advantage when they took on the George Mason Patriots. Fans from both sides came out to the Powhatan Sports Complex to cheer on their respective teams in Sunday afternoon’s CAA matchup. With Friday’s CAA opener loss against No. 9 JMU still looming in the air, Old Dominion came into Sunday’s game craving a tournament win. The loss, a minor setback for Old Dominion (3-9), put them at 0-1 in conference play, which could be considered fairly better than the Patriots who were coming in 0-3. Midfielder Rebecca Hartrum scored a game high of three goals while the Lady Monarchs held Mason to no shots on their last possession of the game.
For the most part, the first 30 minutes of action consisted of a back and forth, somewhat seesaw scoring game. Old Dominion’s Lisa Bernardini started the scoring spree just 50 seconds into game time, and soon afterwards Mason’s Anna Kopecka scored what would be her first of three goals throughout the game. (Bernardini leads the Lady Monarch roster in goals, 22; assists, 11, and shots on goal, 47.) With less than 19 minutes left to play in the first half the Catonsville, Maryland native Rebecca Reymann, would score her second unassisted goal of the game to tie it back up at four a piece. No more than 20 seconds later Junior Alyssa Dragon gave the Monarchs a one up advantage on an eight meter free position shot. Both teams headed into halftime tied at six. Although Mason led the first half in shots on goal and draw controls, the Lady Monarchs came out in the second half ready to play.
With turnovers plaguing the Patriots, Old Dominion would go into the second half scoring three unanswered goals with one from freshmen Emily Austerberry, and two from Hartrum. After a two minute time out from ODU, Mason would come back and score two consecutive goals to put them one away from tying the Monarchs with less than 10 minutes left to play. Once again, Hartrum came to the rescue when freshmen attacker Emma Kriss sent a pass from behind goal to Hartrum who sent the ball sailing past the left side of the Mason keeper Brittany Pastrana. Hartrum’s goal would evidently be the last for Old Dominion and the game winner. Mason’s Allie Hilderbrandt would score with 4:54 left to play, but to many turnovers from the Patriots and the Lady Monarchs relentless defense would hold off the Patriots for to get a win for the Monarchs. Sunday’s win now puts Old Dominion 1-1 in CAA action. The Lady Monarchs will be taking on Drexel this Friday, 7pm at the Powhatan Sports Complex.
Photo By: Rachel Chasin
