Though the score did not favor the Bobcats on Garcelon Field Feb. 28, the women’s lacrosse home opener against the Wesleyan Cardinals crackled with excitement as students and families from both teams cheered every offensive and defensive sequence. The matchup also served as a One Love Foundation game that raises awareness about domestic abuse and unhealthy relationships.
Wesleyan dominated the first quarter with eight unanswered goals to take on an early lead. Bates struggled to obtain offensive possession as the Cardinals generated success in the draw. When the Bobcats managed to find possession, they faced a difficult Wesleyan defense.
However, despite a tough first quarter, the Bobcats finished strong on defense, heading into the second with renewed momentum. The Bobcats made a strategic decision to switch their goal keeper from Molly Urbonas ‘28 to left-handed Virginia Avery ‘29. They also shifted defensive tactics as well.
Despite the Cardinals winning the draw to open the second quarter, they struggled to control possession and failed to capitalize on a scoring opportunity as the Bobcats applied steady defensive pressure.
After receiving a yellow card and a forced turnover, the Bobcats took advantage on a man-up opportunity. Attacker Laci Raveis ‘27, who is currently leading the Bobcats in scoring, was able to optimize on a ground ball and find the back of the net, putting the Bobcats on the board and energizing the crowd.
The Bobcats continued to struggle with turnovers where the Cardinals added their ninth goal, quickly followed by their tenth. The Bobcats’ persistent defensive pressure had slowed the Cardinals offensive momentum compared to their explosive first quarter performance.
“It’s really hard in the NESCAC openers to be down and fight back, especially on your home field,” lacrosse alum Avery Macmullen ‘20 said. “The girls seem to be in good spirits, and they seem like they’re having fun, which for me is the most important part to see.”
To start cutting into their 10-1 deficit, the Bobcats needed to make adjustments offensively and continue to sustain tight defensive coverage.
“They could take a little more care of the ball. There’s been some turnovers after really good play opportunities that just deflate you,” Macmullen said.
Out of halftime, the Bobcats found success on both ends of the field. After the Cardinals secured the draw, Avery delivered a crucial save to deny another scoring opportunity. The Bobcats quickly cleared the ball, optimizing on transition as attacker Lauren Wong ‘26 finished a feed from attacker Sarah Stavrovich ‘28.
A minute later, the Cardinals responded by moving their lead to 11, continuing to be an offensive force. The Bobcats kept pushing through and their determination yielded another goal after a successful defensive set and clear that Grace Yonchak ‘26 converted for the Bobcats’ third goal off an assist from Wong.
The Bobcat’s momentum was short-lived as the Cardinals quickly responded, extending their lead 12-3. However, the Bobcats defense held strong and prevented the Cardinals from another scoring opportunity after Avery secured a save, controlling the rebound under pressure.
After a timeout, the Bobcats found success and converted on the other end, with Sammy Collins ‘29 finding the back of the net off of a Lucy Taylor ‘27 assist.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Clare Mcgeever ‘26 caused a turnover and ground ball pickup. The Bobcats cleared successfully and drew a foul on the attacking end, earning a free position opportunity. Caroline Keating ‘26 buried the shot, cutting further into the Cardinals’ lead.
The Cardinals closed the game with a 3-0 run making the final score 5-15. However, the Bobcats maintained energy and composure until the final whistle.
