Knights Drop Liberty League Opener to RIT, 15-9

Gary Mikel

Women's Lacrosse | 3/18/2023 2:24:00 PM

Box Score

Potsdam, NY – A strong second quarter gave RIT an early advantage and that proved to be the difference as the Clarkson University Women's Lacrosse team dropped its Liberty League opener to the Tigers 15-9 Saturday afternoon at Hantz Field.

The Golden Knights fell to 5-2 on the season and 0-1 in conference games, while RIT moved to 3-2 and 1-0. Clarkson will face a stiff challenge next weekend when the team hits the road to take on two nationally-ranked opponents in William Smith College and Ithaca College.

The two teams played essentially even in the first quarter on the scoreboard, though a late goal from Baylee West gave RIT a 3-2 advantage after the opening 15 minutes. However, RIT found another gear offensively in the second quarter, scoring five unanswered goals while simultaneously limiting Clarkson's opportunities. After a late turnover resulted in a man-up goal for the Tigers, RIT headed into the halftime break with a 9-3 advantage.

Clarkson responded with a strong third quarter which saw the Knights score more goals (five) than it did in the first half. Junior Madelynn Barnum was the key component in that offensive push, scoring three goals and assisting on another to get the Knights within three (11-8). However, at the start of the fourth quarter, RIT limited the Golden Knights' chances to get closer by controlling the draws and keeping Clarkson out of its offensive end. RIT scored three times before the Knights had possession, and pulled away in the last period.

Madelynn Barnum finished with six points on four goals and two assists and Julia Lavarnway also contributed two goals for the Knights. Lauren Shanahan snagged six draws, and Maeve Bartell had three groundballs.

For RIT, Adele Jones and Zoe Heffernan produced four points on two goals and two assists each, while Carissa Hlywa had three points and Baylee West scored three goals.

RIT outshot the Knights 35-29 (27-24 in shots on goal). Both goalkeepers played well, with Michelle Messenger making 15 saves on 24 shots on goal for the Tigers. Jennaca McGill stopped 12 shots for the Knights.

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Players Mentioned

#13 Madelynn Barnum: M; 5' 6"; Sophomore

#8 Julia Lavarnway: A; 5' 4"; Junior

#10 Lauren Shanahan: M; 5' 9"; Freshman

#0 Jennaca McGill: GK; 5' 5"; Freshman

#15 Maeve Bartell: D; 5' 8"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#13 Madelynn Barnum
: 5' 6"; Sophomore
: M

#8 Julia Lavarnway
: 5' 4"; Junior
: A

#10 Lauren Shanahan
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: M

#0 Jennaca McGill
: 5' 5"; Freshman
: GK

#15 Maeve Bartell
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: D