Allie Rooney ’16
Sports Editor
The Smith lacrosse team earned a victory in their season opener on Feb. 28 on their home turf. The Pioneers defeated UMass Dartmouth by a margin of 7-5.
Many Pioneers contributed to the win, beginning with first year goaltender Sarah Price ’18. Price stopped nine shots in her collegiate debut. The line of defense in front of Price also played a huge part in securing the win for the Pioneers. Bethany Claps ’16 caused four turnovers and had four ground balls. Fellow defender Quinn Lavigne ’17 led the team with five ground balls.
Additionally, the Pioneers had a very balanced attack. Co-captain Rachel Silveria ’16 led the Pioneers with three goals and an assist. First-years Julia Hamilton and Caroline Myran each scored their first collegiate goals, while Jenny Estes ’15 and Simone Lawrence ’15 each added a goal. Estes and Myran both added an assist as well.
The Pioneers finished the game with just one more shot than the Corsairs, ending the game with a final shots tally of 22-21. The Pioneers also finished with five more ground balls than UMass Dartmouth.
The Pioneers boast a record of 1 – 0 under the direction of Interim Head Coach Jackie Blei. Blei was the head field hockey coach at Smith from 1980 to 1986 and the head lacrosse coach from 1981 to 1987. She is currently a lecturer in Smith’s exercise and sports studies program and also manages the Olin Fitness Center.
The Pioneers return to action on Wednesday, March 4 when they travel to Henniker, N.H. to take on New England College. They return home on Saturday, March 7 to face the Golden Bears of Western New England University. The Pioneers begin their NEWMAC slate on March 25.
