On Saturday, March 15, the Elizabethtown College women’s lacrosse team, with a 4-2 record, faced off against Lebanon Valley College, with a 4-3 record, at Wolf Field. The Blue Jays looked to play well on their home field against the Dutchmen in what quickly developed into a competitive matchup.

The first quarter featured an intense back-and-forth battle between the two teams as both sides traded early scoring opportunities through tough defense. The Dutchmen struck first with a goal from junior Elizabeth Morgan, but Etown quickly responded when sophomore attacker Ella Scholes found the back of the net to keep it even as both teams continued to find their respective rhythms. 

The tie would not last long, however, as sophomore attacker Katie DeWitt capitalized on a free position opportunity to restore the Dutchmen’s lead. The Blue Jays continued to respond to every challenge early on in the game, as senior midfielder Drew Bridges scored a goal of her own to keep Etown within reach of the Dutchmen. Lebanon Valley’s senior attacker Molly Whisler added another goal late in the quarter, but Scholes once again stepped up for the Blue Jays with a rapid drive to the net, scoring her second goal of the game to keep the score even as the opening quarter ended.

Momentum began to shift in the second quarter as the Dutchmen found their offensive rhythm and strengthened their defense. They broke through Etown’s defenders and began a rapid and continuous offensive effort, a decisive run with five unanswered goals to pull away from the Blue Jays. Morgan played a major role in the surge, scoring four of the five goals during the stretch and helping LVC build an 8–3 advantage heading into halftime.

Lebanon Valley carried that momentum into the second half and continued to apply pressure on both ends of the field, forcing Etown’s offense into tough shots and forcing turnovers while rapidly driving towards Etown’s net with every opportunity they could make. The Dutchmen extended their lead throughout the third quarter, building a double-digit advantage as they capitalized on scoring opportunities and controlled possession, effectively winning face-offs and forcing turnovers. 

Despite the growing deficit, the Blue Jays continued to battle and managed to add three more goals in the second half. The offense also managed to get more shots on goal and maintained better control over the ball. The defense also stiffened and kept the Dutchmen to only two goals in the fourth quarter.  However, the early scoring run from Lebanon Valley proved too much to overcome, as Etown ultimately fell 16–6. 

The Blue Jays will look to regroup and bounce back when they return to action against Wilson College on March 18.