By Danny Contreras
The CCSU Women’s Lacrosse team lost an exciting match to Longwood University this past Friday 11-10.
CCSU senior Betsy Vendel scored three times and assisted another goal as she chased the all time CCSU points leader. Though she impressed, her efforts were not enough to defeat Longwood, who entered the second half with a four-point lead over the Blue Devils at 7-3.
The Lancers scored the first goal of the second half to put themselves further ahead at 8-3. CCSU responded with three goals, but were once again disheartened by another Longwood goal.
With the score at 9-6, the Blue Devils found the net three more times to tie the game at 9-9 with less than 15 minutes to play. Longwood scored twice late in the half to clinch the victory, although CCSU scored once more to create a nervy ending to the match.
Though the match was lost, the team showed incredible courage and promise for the future of the squad. Freshman Elyse Malecki scored three times in the game while Claire Healy and Andrea Tarsi both added to the tally. Defender Morgan Tullar made five saves to keep CCSU in the game. Even in a tough loss, Vendel made the best of it with an amazing performance.
The loss puts CCSU at 1-3 this season and the Lancers at 4-0. They return to the field on March 16 against LaSalle, away. The Blue Devils will return home on March 28 to face NEC rivals, Sacred Heart.
Last season the Blue Devils had a break out season. They finished 5-4 in the NEC and missed the NEC tournament by just one game. The Blue Devils had an amazing season at home going 6-1 with their lone loss on Senior Night against Holy Cross.
Kelly Nangle served her first year as head coach at Central last season. The team set records for wins in the NEC, 5, and tied the school’s record for most regular season wins at seven.
The Blue Devils are set to make an impact in the NEC and become one of the premier women’s lacrosse programs.