The UR Women’s Lacrosse team is riding a three-game win streak after two hard-fought, one-goal losses to open their season.
In their March 5 season opener vs. St. Joseph’s College (of Long Island) (SJC), UR was led by midfielders junior Jamie Wallisch and sophomore Madeline Levy, who scored two goals each. The ’Jackets fought hard, with two shots in the final minute, but SJC came out on top in a close contest.
Three days later, the squad took their talents to Clearwater, FL, for a matchup against Wittenberg College Tigers. Led by Wallisch, who scored four times, and Junior Cassie Mahar, who scored one goal and racked up two assists. Wittenberg forced overtime and after a scoreless first OT period, the Tigers overcame UR by a score of 8–7 (2OT). Senior goalkeeper Marie Prosak had an impressive 12 saves during the contest.
In their last game of their stint in Florida, UR came out victorious over Swarthmore College. In a Thursday night matchup, the ‘Jackets picked up their first win. Paced by Levy, who had four goals on six shots, the ’Jackets stormed to a 6–2 halftime lead and never looked back. The ’Jackets left their spring break road trip with a record of 1–2.
At their home opener vs. Elmira College last Tuesday, the team emerged victorious by a score of 13–5. Led again by Wallisch, who scored six times, and junior Breanna Taylor, who scored four times, the ’Jackets won handily in front of the Fauver Stadium crowd. This win moved their record to .500, at 2–2.
On Saturday, March 19, the ’Jackets hosted cross-town rival Nazareth College in an afternoon contest. UR remained unbeaten at home thanks to the stellar play of Prosak, who made seven saves. The ’Jackets won by a score of 8–5, dropping Naz to a 4–1 record and elevating themselves to a record of 3–2.
Reflecting upon the team’s progress this season, junior Wallisch has credited the ’Jackets’ most recent successes with emphasis to “communication and focus.”
“With each game, we apply these factors and play the game we know we can,” the midfielder and ’Jackets leading scorer said.
After strong performances from both Wallisch and Prosak against Nazareth, the junior and senior were recognized by the Liberty League. Midfielder Wallisch was named to the Liberty League Honor Roll, while goaltender Prosak was awarded Liberty League Defensive Player of the week.
The ’Jackets are looking to extend their momentum into their next contest this Friday against Oswego State on the road. “Our coach consistently says ‘play to win, don’t play not to lose,’” Wallisch recalled. “We have taken that quote in full and focused to play our best, not worrying about the opponent.”
UR is looking to maintain this momentum heading into Liberty League play, which begins April 1 vs. Saint Lawrence University.
