Women’s lacrosse extends win streak to four
By Garrett Gess · Staff Writer
The Grove City women’s lacrosse team won four straight games as they finished non-conference competition on a hot streak. Most recently, the Wolverines took down Buffalo State on the road, winning 11-9 on Saturday.
Grove City ran through a gauntlet of tough teams, all of whom were opponents from outside Pennsylvania. The Wolverines lost their first three games by a combined point differential of just four goals, all of which were winnable games. The team showed resolve, winning their next four competitions, two of which included games where they overcame a deficit of three or more points.
Against Buffalo State, after the Bengals drew first blood, junior attack Gwen Shilling sparked the offense with two first-quarter goals, assisted by junior midfielder Tori Stevenson and sophomore midfielder Jess Robinette, respectively. This helped Grove City stay even at 3-3.
The game shifted in the second as junior attack Taylor Blythe and Robinette connected to give Grove City the lead. Robinette followed with back-to-back scores to raise the advantage. Sophomore midfielder Mia Mygatt added another goal, capping off Grove City’s five-point unanswered streak, as the Wolverines built a great 7-4 lead heading into halftime.
In the second half, senior goalie Mia Gallagher and Grove City’s defense stepped up to protect the lead as Buffalo State had a strong third quarter. Robinette added another goal off an assist from senior attack Jackie Rowell, then sealed the game with her fourth goal in the fourth quarter to win 9-7.
“Getting the win this weekend felt amazing, especially because the last two years we came up short against Buffalo State. It made it even more exciting and meaningful for our team. I think it really showed how much we’ve grown and how hard we’ve been working. This game gave us confidence and momentum heading into our upcoming PAC matchups, and it showed us what we’re capable of when we play together,” Robinette said.
A secret weapon for the women’s lacrosse program has been their talented first-year class. Midfielder Avery Anderson, defender Sophia Happel, midfielder Maddie LaForte and defender Gabri Hallam, are all freshmen who have competed in and contributed to all seven games.
“This win was HUGE! It was great to play in my hometown and win against the team that Grove City has never beaten before. It truly was a team win, starting from our goalie in the back all the way to the attacking end. This game prepared us to work as a unit and to make sure we come out with grit and hustle as we begin PACs. Our team will continue to find success by continuing to work as a team that is focused on giving glory to God,” Hallam said.
The win against Buffalo State, a school over double Grove City’s size, and who have beaten the Wolverines in the last two seasons, could very well be the auspicious moment that leads to future success.
“Going into this stretch, we’re really focused on taking it one game at a time and not looking too far ahead. Each game is important, so we’re preparing for each opponent individually and staying locked in on what we need to do,” Robinette said. “If we keep that mindset and continue working together as a team, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to be successful.”
Grove City looks to once again win the PAC, and this time, advance in the NCAA playoffs. Before these big goals can be achieved, however, the Wolverines must first take care of business one game at a time. Head Coach Emma Olsen, now in her second year leading the Wolverines, is 11-0 against PAC opponents. As this year’s conference favorite, Olsen and Assistant Coach Emily Rowell look to extend the streak. Grove City hosted Geneva on Saturday and head to Washington & Jefferson to face the Presidents at 1 p.m. tomorrow, followed by a home game against Allegheny at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
