UB Lacrosse team makes history

After debuting as a full time Division II women's lacrosse program last spring, the Purple Knights who finished last season 0-11 were eager to start the 2012 campaign off right. Last Friday's opening season road match against Post University saw the team pick up its first ever win with a 16-13 victory.

In the game, there were eight different scorers for the Purple Knights as freshman midfielder Gabrielle Valela scored a game high five goals in her first collegiate game and graduate student midfielder Lindsay Kehoe, who tallied four goals and six assists to lead the way.

Valela said that the team's chemistry and ability to stick together were the focal points in earning the victory.

"As a team we all meshed very well and were determined to win," she said. "When we were tied, we didn't give up, kept our composure and that's what teamwork is truly about. We kept up our intensity and stayed positive."

Aside from Valela and Kehoe contributions, players including freshman attacker Emily Catalano chipped in with two goals and midfielder Shealyn Scully scored one goal and had two assists. The Purple Knights outshot the Eagles 36-23 and won more draw controls with a 21-10 advantage, which was a key factor in deciding the outcome of the match.

Freshman attacker Katie King, who scored a goal in her first collegiate game as well said even though she is new to the program, there is a lot to like going forward.

"I'm only a freshman but I know it's a completely different team from last year," King said. "Every player has their strong points and weaknesses. So as teammates we learned how each other play and try to help our teammates take advantage of their strong points."

Next on the agenda for the Purple Knights will be a home opening match against Southern Connecticut State University on March 10 at 11 a.m. at Knights Field followed by Wilmington University on March 16 at 2 p.m.

"Our offense was all field smarts," Valela said. "When we saw our opportunity to take the lane to goal we took it and when we didn't have it we pulled out and ran our plays. The bench played a big role in keeping us stay positive and helping us out when our players were open to pass them the ball to score. All in all we did a really great job today and it showed."