BALTIMORE - The College of Notre Dame lacrosse team rallied from a six goal second half deficit to earn its first win of the season, 18-17, over visiting non-conference opponent Goucher Thursday afternoon. Senior Annie Shippen (Mount Airy, MD/Glenelg Country Day) led the Gators with eight goals and two assists while teammate Tina Money (Shady Side, MD/Queen Anne's County) scored the game-winning goal, her fifth of the day, on a free position shot with 50 seconds left on the clock.

The contest started off with both teams exchanging goals. The Gophers were able to stake themselves to a 10-4 lead by scoring seven goals to the Gators one over a 16:33 span midway through the first half. Notre Dame followed with two goals, one each by Lauren Terry (Towson, MD/Catholic) and Shippen, but Goucher's Marlo Tersigni was able to put a shot into the cage to give the Gophers an 11-6 halftime edge.

Kate Knitter put Goucher up 12-6 on a goal from teammate Cindy Villareal 2:51 into the second half. Notre Dame responded by scoring six of the next seven goals over the following 12:48 to pull within 13-12. The Gators went on to tie the game at 15 after Money scored her third goal of the game off an assist from Shippen with 9:16 remaining. The two squads traded goals, but Notre Dame was able to deliver the final punch on Money's free position goal with 50 seconds to go for the 18-17 win.

Money finished the game with five goals and two assists for seven points. Amanda Hubbel (Baltimore, MD/Towson) and Terry each added two goals, while Ashley Demski (Parkville, MD/Loch Raven) picked up her first points of the season with a goal and two assists in the game.

Goucher was led by Knitter's seven goals and two assists, while Blatter finished with four goals and four assists.

Notre Dame went 11-for-18 on clears in the game, but successfully converted on six-of-seven clears in the second half. Goucher went 15-for-19 on clears in the contest. The Gators scored on 5-of-14 free position shots while Goucher scored on 3-of-4 on free position shots.

Junior Amanda Arkwright (North Kingston, RI/North Kingston) made eight stops for her first win of the season for Notre Dame, while Goucher goalie Nina Friedman made 12 saves in her first appearance between the pipes on the year.

Notre Dame will host Pennsylvania Athletic Conference opponent Misericordia on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.

2008-03-13