Simmons Lacrosse opened the 2009 season against Emerson College on Wednesday night. The Sharks dropped the contest, also the program's debut as a varsity sport at Simmons, to the Lions, 13-2.

Emerson jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, but Lee Sutherland (Tuftonboro, N.H.) answered back on an unassisted, well-placed shot to bring the score to 2-1 with 27:32 remaining in the first half. Emerson then took it away, scoring 11 goals in the half, leaving the score 11-1 at the break.

With some adjustments on defense, the Sharks played a 2-1 second half to end the scoring at 13-2. Natalie West (East Bridgewater, Mass.) scored Simmons' second goal with 12:25 left in the contest.

"The team did a great job pressuring the ball in our defensive end and showed more confidence and drive in the second half, which led to much better play. Jen Szkolt (Bondsville, Mass.) and Suzy Tremblay (North Andover, Mass.) were especially solid and smart on defense throughout the game," said Head Coach Kate Leonard.

Leonard noted the performances of Heather Lowe (Woolwich, Maine) and Marissa Games (Newburyport, Mass.) in the midfield, coming up with some huge turnovers and winning the 50/50 balls.
 
The Sharks will visit Lasell on Friday, March 20 for a 4:00pm Great Northeast Athletic Conference game.