After a tentative first half, Simmons Lacrosse outscored Anna Maria College 10-4 in the second half to secure the 16-10 win at home on Monday night. Freshman Justine Beauchamp (Exeter, N.H.) scored six goals and one assist to lead the Sharks to victory. With the win, Simmons advances to 1-1 on the season, while Anna Maria falls to 1-5 overall.
"I was really pleased with how we played together in the second half. If we can play like that in games from now on, we are going to see more success," said Head Coach Kate Leonard.
The Sharks struggled in the opening minutes as they figured out their opponents, but spent the majority of the first half circling Anna Maria's goal. The Sharks and Amcats went into the intermission with a 6-6 tied score.
Simmons opened up the floodgates in the second half, finding the back of the goal four times before Anna Maria could answer back.
For the Amcats, Katie Schebel scored five goals with one assist, while teammate Amanda Hevy had three goals and one assist.
Beauchamp lead Simmons with six goals, and junior Natalie Stever (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) scored three. Sophomore Lee Sutherland (Tuftonboro, N.H.) was good for two. Senior Emily Sypher (Orono, Maine), sophomore Meaghan Maurice (Portland, Maine), junior Sarah Pontarelli (Narragansett, R.I.), freshman Rachel Wallace (Braintree, Mass.), and freshman Zoie Kaley (Manchester, Maine) all scored once for the Sharks.
"Natalie Stever, Lee Sutherland, and Emily Sypher did a great job settling down the attack in the second half and this helped spark our stronger offense," said Leonard. "Justine Beauchamp played an outstanding game throughout and was a great example of why we need to play top speed at all times. Her hustle really paid off."
Freshman goalkeeper Kelly Last (West Haven, Conn.) had a strong game in goal for the Sharks, allowing only ten from the Amcats, and making ten saves on the night. "Kelly was so strong for us in goal, making several point-blank saves and connecting really well on her clears. We will be working on defense to make fewer fouls in the eight and help her out on those free position shots."
Simmons will travel to face Lasell College on Thursday, March 25 at 4:00pm in their Great Northeast Athletic Conference opener.