Hot Start Fuels Army to Program’s First PL Victory

Wednesday, April 19

Hamilton, NY

5 PM

Army West Point

5-10, 1-6PL

Colgate

4-9, 1-6PL

Army

Colgate

Hot Start Fuels Army to Program’s First PL Victory

April 19, 2017 | Women's Lacrosse

Box Score

WEST POINT, N.Y. – For the first time in program history, the Army West Point women's lacrosse team has notched a Patriot League victory after defeating Colgate 11-9 Wednesday evening on the road. A fast start by the Black Knights helped them maintain an edge over the Raiders for the entirety of the game.

"Heading into today's game we had an emphasis on winning the first draw and scoring the first goal," said Noto Family women's lacrosse head coach Kristen Skiera. "By executing that, we generated so much energy – it was electric. From that first scoring sequence we felt like we were in the driver's seat, and to stay in the lead the whole game was such a great thing for this young team to do. We played mature beyond our years. Getting up big early was good validation that we were on the right track. We had a good feeling leading up to the game. The team was loose and had a great energy. There was a huge focus on having fun and enjoying time out there today and we did just that."

"We emphasized on our communication which helped on defense today," explained Maddie Burns. "We have practiced clearing every day and to get such a high percentage today was rewarding. The team really wanted it today and it showed all over the field. We have grown after each and every game. Today was a big step forward for the program."

"We are a team of fighters," said team co-captain Shelby Lindsay. "At times it has been a grind this season, but despite that we have gone into every single game with aggression and played hard in every one. We are relentless. The clears were a huge momentum point for us. Getting the ball up the field to give the offense opportunities to score was key. It has been a constant effort for our team and it felt good to have the success today"

ARMY HIGHLIGHTS AND GAME NOTES

In its two-season history, Army has tallied its first Patriot League victory.
It was Skiera's 10th career victory at Army.
The Black Knights went 8-8 on clears in the first half and finished the game with a .824 percentage – a season-high.
Rachel Hornick once again fueled the Black Knights' offense after posting four points on three goals and an assist. She also added two ground balls and a caused turnover in the game.
Amy Johnston was solid with a hat trick of her own and four draw controls.
Manuela Cortes tallied two goals and a helper, while Rilee Scott and Kiersten Spencer also scored for Army.
Samantha Stewart saw success in the midfield and picked up three draw controls, one ground ball and had two caused turnovers.
Burns picked up her fifth win of the year backed by her career-high 12 saves and game-leading seven ground balls.

"Today's win was such an amazing feeling for us. It has been a mental block and we knew we needed to get over that hump," added Skiera. "It was so exciting for our firsties. I am proud of our staff and the entire team. We have had a tough series of losses and have stayed so optimistic and resilient. The team keeps a short memory, and we learn from our mistakes."

HOW IT HAPPENED

For the first time in 11 games, the Black Knights powered out a halftime lead to start off the game. They went ahead 4-1 to start the game before Colgate would bring the contest within two at the half (6-4).
Hornick found Scott just a minute into the contest to provide Army with the coveted first goal of the game.
Two minutes later, Johnston scored an unassisted goal to keep the Cadets' momentum going.
Colgate snapped Army's streak with a goal at the 18:00 minute mark, but a 2-0 run fueled by Johnston and Spencer kept the Raiders quiet.
The Black Knights and Raiders traded goals with one of Army's coming from Hornick and the other being credited as a team goal.
Cortes setup the goal as she attempted a feed to Hornick. The ball sailed past the left side of the crease, but ricocheted off a Colgate player who was behind the net before bouncing off the back of the Raiders' goalie past the goal line.
Colgate went on a 3-1 run to open the second half, but four-straight goals from Army secured the game for the Black Knights.
Hornick led the team off with a goal at the 26:29 minutes mark before Cortes netted two consecutive goals to push Army ahead 10-6.
Johnston closed-out Army's coring with her 26th of the year with 6:12 remaining in the game.
The Raiders staged a late comeback attempt, but the Black Knights were able to hold them off due in part to Burns' goalkeeping skills as she made 12 saves on the day.

TURNING POINT

The Black Knights jumped out to a 6-4 lead at halftime. This was Army's first lead over an opponent since March 1, when the Cadets defeated Central Connecticut State 13-11.

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