Navy is one of just three undefeated women?s lacrosse teams, and has yet to be held to fewer than 18 goals and four opponents failed to score more than six. Its average margin of victory is 15, and its five game-winning streak is trumped by just two teams ? one being three-time defending champion Northwestern.
But today at noon at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, the team could add another accomplishment in just its first year as a Division I team by moving into a tie for first place in the Patriot League.
Navy (5-0) will host two-time defending league champion Holy Cross (0-5) in its first league game, as the Midshipmen conclude a six-game homestand to open the season. The Midshipmen, who have outscored the opposition, 102-27, are coming off an 18-6 victory over St. Mary?s (Calif.) this past Sunday.
“We are obviously excited to get the Patriot League season under way,” Navy coach Cindy Timchal said. “It will be interesting to see how we match up and I know the girls are ready to get into league action.”
Navy has five players who have at least 12 points, including sophomore midfielder Erin Rawlick (20 goals, 9 assists), senior midfielder Amanda Towey (8, 18) and freshman midfielder Meg Decker (17, 6).
Decker decided two years ago she wanted to attend the Naval Academy, a decision she solidified when the service academy announced it would add a women?s lacrosse team.
“This has been an amazing opportunity for me,” said Decker a former standout at Mount de Sales. “The winning has been nice, but the best part has been watching this team grow up together. [As a plebe] you learn a lot about yourself during this year. You learn how far you can push yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. It?s very interesting to watch how much people grow up during this time.”
Holy Cross has yet to play a home game, and the road has really taken a toll on the Crusaders, who have been outscored, 69-35. Holy Cross also lost its Patriot League opener at Colgate, 11-8, on March 8.
Freshman midfielder Meg O?Leary leads the Crusaders with eight points (6 goals, 2 assists) with Kristine Corkum adding six goals on the season. Freshman goalie Amy Martin has played all 300 minutes in goal, and has allowed an average of 13.8 goals per game with a .461 save percentage.
“This season will be full of challenges and playing our first Patriot League game in just the next one on that list,” Decker said. “You look at the people who attend the Naval Academy and they are athletic, hard-working and goal-oriented people. When you put 11 people like that on the field at one time, there?s nothing they can?t accomplish if they work together.”
