Delaware Defense Shuts Down Denver, McCartney Delivers Clutch Goals Late in 7-6 Blue Hen Victory
February 24, 2013
Photos Courtesy of Mark Campbell and Chris Permar
• Boxscore (HTML) | PDF
_lg.jpg)
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware defense held Denver to just one goal in the second half and sophomore Caitlin McCartney (at right) scored what proved to be the game-winner with 1:42 left to play as the Blue Hens recorded an impressive 7-6 women's lacrosse victory Sunday at a windy Delaware Stadium.
McCartney finished the game with three goals in the day, including two in the second half, for her third consecutive hat trick of the season the ninth of her career.
She becomes the first Delaware player to start the season with three straight hat tricks since All-American Missy Meharg scored three or more goals in each of the first five games of the 1985 season.
Delaware junior Shannon Burns added two goals while Allison Hahn dished out two assists for Delaware (2-1) as it posted its second victory in three days.
“Our focus was knowing that Denver was a good team and that we were going to have to work for 60 minutes,” remarked Delaware head coach Kateri Linville. “That was our challenge today, to put together an entire game where we competed. I am proud of the team's ability to fight and win a big game at home.
“We prepared for their goalie because she plays high in the crease," Linville continued. "We knew we’d have open shots if we were patient and took our time placing the ball. She has a different style of play, so it took us a little bit of time to find our way to the back of the net.”
_lg.jpg)
Blue Hen sophomore goalkeeper Alex Zaugra (at left) came up big in the nets for Delaware, stopping five shots, including two clutch saves in the final minutes.
“Alex has quick hands and is definitely capable of making the big plays,” commented Linville. “She stepped up big when the game was on the line, which is exactly what you want from your goalie.”
Denver, coached by former Blue Hen All-American Liza (Shoemaker) Kelley, lost for the first time this season to fall to 2-1.
Kara Secora led the Pioneers with four goals while Jill Remenapp dished out two assists. Remenapp, Denver’s leading goal-scorer entering the game, was held scoreless.
_lg.jpg)
Delaware tied the game at the 20:05 mark at 2-2 with a free position shot from Chelsea Fay. The Hens eventually took a 5-3 advantage with goals from McCartney and Shannon Burns (at right).
McCartney posted the first goal for either team in the second half at the 16:17 mark to give Delaware the 6-5 lead that they would never relinquish.
"I thought the team handled the pressure situations today," said Linville. "We were able to maintain possession and eventually score out of the man-down situation in the second half. Caitlin was able to convert an important goal that eventually helped us to win today."
The Hens held a 26-20 advantage in groundballs and also outshot the Pioneers, 22-18.
Delaware plays its next two games on the road as the Blue Hens travel to La Salle March 1 for a 7 p.m. draw and Lehigh on March 5 for a 4 p.m. contest.
Back To Women's Lacrosse Home Women's Lacrosse Story Archive
