Coming off an overtime loss to American University earlier in the week, the women’s lacrosse team found themselves in another tight match on Saturday.
The Blue Jays hosted conference opponent Vanderbilt University who had won the last seven matchups over Hopkins going into Saturday’s game. However, Saturday’s result shifted the momentum as the Blue Jays snapped their losing streak with a 12-11 overtime victory over the Commodores.
This clutch overtime performance was led by junior Taylor D’Amore who scored both of the Blue Jays’ overtime goals. After Vanderbilt tied the game 11-11, D’Amore won the ensuing draw for the Blue Jays. Hopkins was then able to maintain possession of the ball just long enough to let D’Amore score. The game-winning goal came with 5.5 seconds remaining in overtime, to leave the Commodores with a 0-3 record in conference play.
D’Amore, who had a total of three goals on the day, now has 23 goals this season. She is just ten shy of her personal record (33), and the Blue Jays are just 11 games into their season.
The Blue Jays improve to 7-4 overall, with a 1-1 record in the American Lacrosse Conference. With just five games remaining in their regular schedule, the Blue Jays will travel to University of Florida on Saturday, April 6th for their next matchup.
The News-Letter had the opportunity to catch up with the lacrosse star, as she reflected on her impressive performance.
News-Letter (N-L):With the game on the line, what was it like scoring the game winning goal in overtime?
Taylor D’Amore (TD) : We lost an overtime game earlier in the week, so it was definitely better to be on the other side of an overtime game Saturday. Knowing there probably wasn't enough time for Vanderbilt to get a good shot off made it even better. It was a great win for us that we really needed.
N-L: Was this your most memorable moment in your Hopkins career? If so, why? If not, what was?
TD: The most memorable moment in my Hopkins career was beating Penn State in our conference tournament last year. We had lost to them earlier in the season and needed the win for a chance to make the NCAA tournament.
N-L: What have you done to prepare yourself for that moment when the game is on the line?
TD: Preparation is all about practice. Extra shooting and stick-work.
N-L: How will this victory help the team’s morale as the regular season end is approaching?
TD: Hopefully this win gives us momentum moving forward to the last part of our season. It was a conference game which made it that much more important.
N-L: How does this season compare to the ones in the past?
TD: This season is unique because of how close our team is off the field. The team chemistry is awesome.
N-L: What personal goals have you set for yourself beginning at the start of the season?
TD: I have a personal goal to be more consistent as a team and individual.
N-L: What are some team goals that you all work hard to achieve throughout the remainder of the season?
TD: A couple team goals are to make the NCAA tournament and win the ALC Tournament which we are hosting.
