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The Cadets of Norwich University held off host Simmons College in Sunday's Great Northeast Athletic Conference lacrosse game. The Cadets earned an early 5-0 lead they would never relinquish, ending the contest with the 15-6 win over the Sharks. Simmons now stands 1-3 on the season, 0-2 GNAC, while Norwich advance to 2-3, 2-0 GNAC.
"It took us a while to settle into our defense today," said Head Coach Kate Leonard. "Once we did we had some great communication and double-teaming. Bayligh Isherwood and Amanda Cardinal made some smart heads-up plays today. Our low- and mid-field defense was very solid too, causing 10 turnovers."
Simmons controlled the ball for the first minute of play, but it was Norwich who would score the first goal off an unassisted Kacey Abbriano run. The Cadets went on a five-goal streak before Simmons could answer, when first-year Rachel Wallace (Braintree, Mass.) beat two defenders to get the Sharks on the board with 17 minutes remaining in the first half. Kellie Pickel made 9 saves in the first half for the Cadets, and both defenses played strong through the end of the half, which left Norwich up 7-1.
With the draw controls even on the day (Simmons 12- Norwich 11), and smart midfield play for both teams, the game came down to the attack in the offensive zone. "We didn't have good shooting today, and that's what got us in the end," added Leonard. "We need to move the ball a little cleaner and keep our feet moving even when trying to play calmly. Norwich did a great job making quick decisions today and we need to do more of the same."
Abbriano, Chelsea Martin and Mollie Fitzpatrick combined for 12 of the Cadets' 15 goals. Meghan Kennedy played second half goalkeeper for the Cadets, making 6 stops in the effort.
Freshman Justine Beauchamp (Exeter, N.H.) and sophomore Lee Sutherland (Tuftonboro, N.H.) led Simmons' scoring with two points each.
Freshman keeper Kelly Last (West Haven, Conn.) was strong in goal, saving several free positions and 13 overall shots for Simmons.
Norwich travels to St. Joe's, Maine to play the Monks on Friday, April 2nd, and Simmons returns to action on Tuesday, March 30 against visiting conference foe Pine Manor College at 7:00pm.
