Hens Receiving Votes in IWLCA Division I Weekly Poll for First Time Since 2008
March 20, 2013
File Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell
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GRAND LAKE, Colo. – Following its most significant victory in over a decade against Loyola and its highest scoring output in five years against Lafayette, the University of Delaware women’s lacrosse team received votes in the most recent Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Division I Weekly Poll.
The Blue Hens (5-3) received votes in the poll for the first time since April 14, 2008. The team is off to its best start in three seasons under head coach Kateri Linville.
Paced by freshman McKenzie Rafferty’s first career hat trick and nine saves from sophomore Alex Zaugra, UD defeated then No. 11 Loyola, 10-9 last Wednesday. The win was the first over a ranked opponent since 2009 for the Hens and the highest ranked foe since a 14-13 win over then No. 2 James Madison in 2000.
Delaware continued its winning ways with a huge 19-7 victory over Lafayette Saturday. Sophomore Allison Hahn (at top right) matched a career-high of five goals for the Blue Hens while fellow sophomore Caitlin McCartney, junior Chelsea Fay and Rafferty each contributed hat tricks of their own.
The team’s 19 goals was the highest output since a 20-10 win over Villanova on April 25, 2008.
UD has now scored 10 or more goals six times in eight outings this season.
The top six spots in the IWLCA rankings stayed the same as the previous week with the Maryland Terrapins (9-0) and Florida Gators (11-0) atop the poll.
Delaware has gone 1-1 on the season against currently ranked opponents with the win over now No. 16 Loyola (2-5) and a loss to No. 8 Georgetown (5-2) earlier this season. The Blue Hens will travel to No. 19 James Madison (5-1) on April 5. Opponents Denver, Rutgers and Towson also received votes in the poll.
UD is currently amidst an 11-day break from games and next hosts Temple on Wednesday, March 27 at 5 p.m. before opening CAA action Sunday, March 31 with a 1 p.m. draw against Towson.
