MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (Sat., March 21, 2009) -- Trailing 13-9 with 16:42 remaining in the second half, visiting Bates College (4-2, 1-2 NESCAC) scored the game's final five goals, the last with :16 to go, to capture a 14-13 women's lacrosse win at Wesleyan University (3-3, 1-2 NESCAC).

Bates leading scorer senior Caroline Thomas put the finishing touches on her six-goal game by taking a pass from sophomore Abby Saucier on the left side and moving in to score on a high shot for the deciding goal. It was the 23rd goal of the season for Thomas.

Wesleyan controlled the ensuing draw and after a pair of Bates fouls, moved into the attacking zone for a final shot, but the attempt from long range was wide of the mark and time ran out. The game featured three dramatic scoring streaks, two by the Bobcats and one by the Cardinals, as each team held a four-goal lead at one point in the contest.

After Wesleyan pulled ahead to a 2-0 lead, Bates rattled off six unanswered scores to hold a 6-2 margin midway through the first period. Thomas and junior Molly Radis each had a pair of goals during the stretch. Wesleyan cut the gap to 8-6 at halftime.

The opening goal of the second period belonged to Bates freshman Maggie Reilly but the next 11 minutes were all Wesleyan as the Cardinals netted seven consecutive goals to assume a 13-9 advantage with 16:42 remaining. Junior Erin McCarthy had three of the seven to give her a career-high five goals in the contest. Sophomore Jess Chukwu scored twice during the run.

A goal by Thomas with 14:45 left ended Wesleyan's dominance and turned momentum back toward the visitor. Wesleyan continued to get possessions but could not cash in while Bates took advantage its its chances. Pierce made it a 13-11 game at 9:35 and freshman Joan O'Neill tallied at 8:06 to cut the margin to a lone goal.

Almost six minutes later Pierce did a nice spin move on the left side to score over the shoulder of Wesleyan freshman keeper Maggie Drowica (five saves) to even the count at 13-13.

Wesleyan had two golden opportunities over the next minute to regain the lead by shots by Chukwu and senior Sarah Orkin both went wide left after good moves to get inside the Bobcat defense. Bates then forced a Wesleyan turnover in the final minute as O'Neill knocked the ball free and sophomore Brianna Gross scooped up the ground ball for Bates. The Bobcats cleared the bal and set up for a final attack on the left side, resulting in Thomas' game-winner.

Bates sophomore keeper Mara Krueger logged 10 saves in the game, seven of those in the second half.

Wesleyan's next game comes up on Sat., March 28 when the Cardinals host Tufts in another NESCAC game. Bates will be on the road against Babson Wed., March 25 in its next start.

2009-03-21