Field, Panthers Continue Strong Start

Despite having their first "home" game at Southern New Hampshire University (aka SNHU), the Plymouth State Women's Lacrosse team improved to 7-1 after a 21-2 dismantle of the Corsairs of UMass-Dartmouth. This game especially meant a lot to the Panthers, as they raised over $4,500 for the Wounded Warrior Project.

There wasn't much doubt as to who was going to be the dominant team in this game, as the Panthers were up 5-0 only 5:32 into the game. The five goals allowed the Panthers to focus on the defensive end of the field, and limited UMD to only four shots in the first half.  Going into halftime, the Panthers held a commanding 10-0 behind strong play from a number of players such as goalie Lorin Field (Hollis, N.H.), McKenna Bay {Maracaibo, Venezuela, who had three goals by halftime}, and midfielder Molly Gleason {(Haverhill, N.H.) who had eight draw controls, with a number of these coming in the first half}.

Despite the Corsairs getting two early goals in the second half, the Panthers extended their lead by goals from Meghan McNabb (Lexington, Mass.), Caitlin Swanson (Holderness, N.H.), Shannon Connerty (Nashua, N.H.), Molly Gleason, Carol Messler (Durham, N.H.) and Kristen Guest (Sandwich, Mass.).  Having this many different players score for the Panthers is extremely beneficial, as opponents are unable to key in on one specific player.

Despite the win, Head Coach Kristin Blanchette saw room for improvement for the Panthers. "Obviously, by the scoreboard we had a successful day on both attack and defense" stated Blanchette. "However, I am not completely satisfied with how we played the game."  While most teams might be satisfied with a 19-goal win, the Panthers will continue to look for improvement. Added Blanchette "I think our biggest thing will be to get into the classroom to watch our game film and see where we could have played smarter and better".

The Panthers have completed eight of their 14 regular season games, and Coach Blanchette has been thrilled my the team's success this season saying that "I couldn't be more proud as a coach at this point." The last five games of the Panthers' schedule featured opponents within their conference, which the Panthers will look to prove that they are the best team within the Little East Conference. Plymouth will not overlook any opponent though, as Blanchette has stressed to the team "to take one game at a time". With opponents such as Eastern Connecticut (who the Panthers play tomorrow at noon in ECSU) and Keene State (which is Plymouth's first actual home game on Tuesday, at 4:00 P.M.), taking it one game at a time will be crucial to a successful regular season.

Looking ahead to the Keene game, this will be quite possibly the Panthers' toughest test all season. The Owls, who were 8-2 going into their game against MIT yesterday, are currently the leaders of the Little East Conference. "This will be one of the best games of our season....Keene State is an incredible team and it will be a huge test for us" Blanchette added. Winning this game will almost certainly guarantee a first round bye for the Panthers in the LEC post-season tournament.

The Panthers would greatly appreciate it if you can come down to their first home game against Keene on Tuesday (at 4:00 P.M.) (Remember, if the Panthers win this game to put their winning streak at ten, my hair will be green and white for a week!).

Tidbits and Recognition

-Amy MacDonald currently leads the Panthers with 28 goals this season (3.5 goals per game). Will she be able to reach 50 goals this season (current rate she is going, she will get 49 goals)?

-Kristen Guest has been an animal this season, as she currently leads the NCAA in caused turnovers forced per game (3.75).  Guest has been named LEC defensive player of the week three times this season.

-Lorin Field, who was named LEC goalie of the week last week, is 8th in the country in goals allowed per game (6.93 gaa), and is 4th in save percentage (55.2%).

-Meghan McNabb is currently 11th in the NCAA in points per game (with 6.38 ppg).