Another win for the Blue Jays as the women’s lacrosse team faced off against the Hofstra University Pride in New York on Saturday. In their sixth win of the year and their fourth consecutive win, Hopkins won 15-11. Impressive offensive performances by junior midfielder Mackenzie Heldberg and junior attackman Maggie Schneidereith led the way to a great team victory.
Heldberg spoke about the win in general.
“I think we didn’t necessarily start as strong as we wanted to, but we definitely responded in the second half. I think one factor that was the difference in the game was our high and positive energy, especially coming from the sidelines. It was so positive and set up such a fun, loose environment which ultimately is what Hopkins lacrosse is all about,” Heldberg said.
The first half was incredibly competitive, with the score staying close the entire time. The Blue Jays’ first goal came with 21 minutes left in the half. Junior midfielder Becca Boyle scored off an assist by Schneidereith and soon after, junior midfielder Lexi Souder scored again to bring the score to 2-0.
Hofstra brought the score to 4-2 with nine minutes left in the half. The score remained there until around the four-minute mark when sophomore attackman Aurora Cordingley scored two consecutive goals off of Hofstra turnovers to tie the game.
Unfortunately Hofstra pulled ahead before the half ended, scoring a tough goal with only around 40 seconds left.
The second half, unlike the first, saw Hopkins begin to pull away and take the game into their own hands. Much more scoring occurred on both sides overall, but the Blue Jays were not going to lose this one.
Hopkins brushed Hofstra’s lead off easily and quickly, opening the second half by scoring four times in five minutes. Sophomore midfielder Shelby Harrison, Heldberg, Cordingley and Schneidereith scored goals, leaving the score at 8-5 with 22 minutes left to play.
Hofstra retaliated with a goal of their own with 21 minutes left, but Hopkins quickly put up two more. Heldberg and senior attack Miranda Ibello scored to bring the score to 10-6 with 17 minutes remaining. Both teams suffered a scoring drought until there were only 10 minutes left in the game. Hofstra acted first, as they scored back-to-back goals to cut their deficit and bring them to within two points.
With five minutes left Heldberg scored a goal to cap off a run that made the score 14-9. She scored once more with around two minutes left to seal the deal and the game ended 15-11.
Heldberg scored four goals in the game, and she talked about her offensive performance.
“Well, it’s hard to speak about an individual effort in a team sport. I think I was able to have those goals because my teammates were setting me up or moving off the ball. But the feeling of things going right is amazing. Everyone is high energy and intense but with a smile on their face. That’s what’s so great about our team: If someone is on and having a good day, everyone is excited about their success, and there is such a high, positive, unselfish energy flowing through the offense,” she said.
After this game, Schneidereith scored her 80th career goal and broke into the top 20 all-time Division-I scorers. Senior goalie Haley Crosson also moved up to number six all-time for saves in Division-I with 232.
In anticipation for the team’s Wednesday game against High Point, Heldberg discussed what the team is focusing on improving.
“I think we’re super excited for this tough upcoming High Point game and we’re focusing on keeping our energy high and celebrating with that intense energy,” she said. “Another thing is staying composed and having a complete game: starting strong and finishing even stronger. We’re looking forward to being challenged by a great High Point team; it should be a great game.”
The team faces off against UMBC at home on Tuesday, March 19 before taking on Conference opponent Rutgers next Saturday at home.
