Courtesy of UR Athletics
This past weekend was filled with intense competition, as the UR Lacrosse team beat William Smith College and lost to Union College.
Against Union, senior Lauren Basil netted two goals and had one assist. Sophomore Jamie Wallisch, freshman Maddy Levy and junior Elisabeth Watson each scored one. Wallisch also had one assist.
While the 15-5 loss to Union might have been detrimental to the confidence of some teams, the ‘Jackets responded with high energy fashion, motivated and focused on taking over against William Smith.
“The loss was a wake-up call, reminding us that we have to show up and fight hard in every single game and practice,” junior defender Megan Fujiyoshi said.
Going into the William Smith game, UR did not make any changes as to their strategy on the field, but rather elevated their focus and desire to win. Fujiyoshi emphasized the importance of team mentality.
“Instead of harping on the loss, we used it to propel us in our win against William Smith,” Fujiyoshi said. “We played to win on Saturday, instead of playing to not lose.”
This win was a major milestone for the team—the last time that UR lacrosse beat William Smith was 34 years ago.
“We went into that game with passion, played as a team and were able to achieve something we hadn’t done in [a long time],” Fujiyoshi said.
Junior goalie Maire Prosak played all 60 minutes in net for the ‘Jackets against William Smith, making five saves and allowing four goals. Wallisch and Basil had three and two goals respectively, and each of them had an assist as well. Wallisch collected a game high six ground balls, while sophomore Danielle Diacovo grabbed three.
In addition to controlling four draw controls, Levy scored four goals, marking mark a career high for the freshman midfielder. Levy believes that she has “become more confident throughout the season with the help of [her] teammates,” who are “always supportive of everyone and make [her] feel comfortable on the field.”
If the ‘Jackets continue to play with the same intensity they played against William Smith, they will certainly be a force to be reckoned with for the duration of the season.
UR will take on Bard College and Vassar College this weekend at Edwin Fauver Stadium. They are currently 6-0-5 overall.
Lewis is a member of the class of 2016.
