The Duquesne University lacrosse team faced a tough loss against Massachusetts, with a final score of 19-7 on Saturday afternoon. The game started with a bang for UMass, as they quickly built a commanding 7-0 lead. By halftime, the score was 13-3, reflecting a challenging first half for the Dukes.
Despite the rough start, Duquesne showed resilience. They tightened their defense in the second half, allowing only six goals from UMass and even outscoring them in the final quarter two to one.
Tristen Chang led Duquesne with two goals, both scored in the last quarter. Kelsea Cooke continued her scoring streak, adding another goal, while Chloe Holmes celebrated her first of the season. Chelsea Evans, Haley Reeck, and Addison Scanlon also contributed to the goal tally. In goal, freshman Korrigan Sweeney had a standout performance, making 10 saves in her 42 minutes of play.
Head coach Tracy Coyne expressed disappointment after the game, stating, “We were never in the game. We didn’t show up ready to compete.” His remarks highlight the importance of preparation and mindset when facing a well-established team like UMass, known for their winning tradition.
It’s worth noting that women’s lacrosse is growing rapidly, with participation surging by 26% over the last decade, according to a report from the National Federation of State High School Associations. This increase reflects broader trends in women’s sports, driven by greater visibility and support at all levels.
Looking ahead, Duquesne will host VCU on March 22 at Rooney Field. As they regroup and focus on their next match, the team will need to focus on the lessons learned from their game against UMass and bring a stronger performance to the field.
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