By Jonathan Sawyer
Sports Assignment Editor
The St. Bonaventure women’s lacrosse team suffered two losses this past weekend, outscored 43-11. The first loss came Friday night to the University of Massachusetts Minutewomen, 23-2, and the second on Sunday afternoon to the Saint Joseph’s University Hawks, 20-9.
The Bonnies have been in a slump as of late, only winning one out of their last 10 games. Junior attacker Rachel Perla said she believes possession is going to help the Bonnies get on the scoring end.
“We have been playing it safe and working for a perfect shot when, in reality, we need to keep firing shots and trust that our teammates will have our backup to get possession back and keep working,” Perla said.
The Bonnies were also outshot this past weekend, 84-29. Freshman attacker Rylee Arnold attributed the low goal number to not enough shots.
“We’ve realized that we need to take more shots from farther out, as well as working together outside of our plays to create opportunities,” Arnold said. “Our shot count each game this season has been low, and it’s something we’re hoping to change for next season.”
Arnold said the team’s small sizes hinders its game play.
“With only two playing subs, we don’t get the breaks as other players get to. And if someone is having a bad game they have to figure out a way to help their players on the field regardless,” Arnold said. “No matter what age or class, each player treats each other with support and respect, which is something that shows on the field.”
The Bonnies are 3-11 on the season and 1-5 in A10 play, but Perla said the record doesn’t indicate how hard the team works.
“There were a lot of little battles we defeated on the way. If you look at our hustle stats such as ground balls (third of A10), draw controls (fifth in the A10) and caused turnovers (ninth in the A10), we are there,” Perla said. “It is not going to change overnight, but we are working in the right direction and doing the right things to better our program. I have learned how to be a fighter this year, how to continue to fight even when odds aren’t in your favor.”
Freshman attacker Olivia MacDonald said the team works hard and never gives up, which is one of the reasons she loves being on the team.
“Something that I have taken out of this past season is the heart and hustle this team has,” MacDonald said. “We never give up, no matter what the score is. Hopefully, our hard work will continue and show in the next season.”
As the season comes to a close, the Bonnies will finish off their final three games at home. Perla said the team just needs to go out there, have fun and play lacrosse.
“As a team we have taken a step back to evaluate this past weekend. We want to play for the love of the game and the love of our team,” Perla said. “We want to finish strong and hard for our seniors who have put everything they have into this program.”
The Bonnies have two games this upcoming weekend, starting off with George Mason University Patriots today at 4 p.m. and then the Davidson University Wildcats on Sunday at 12 p.m.
sawyerjp15@bonaventure.edu
