On Friday (Feb. 23) night at Ferguson Field, Ashland University's women's lacrosse team earned a 19-15 win over Notre Dame College for its first victory of 2024.
The win was the Eagles' first against the Falcons (1-1), as well, in three all-time meetings.
"Everybody is a threat to goal, when our defense is on, it is very cohesive, and it was a very balanced attack," said Ashland head coach
Lauren Simko. "When we play together, we can make a lot of great things happen.
"It was a great team win."
Both fifth-year attacker
Cassady Becker and sophomore midfielder
Ashley Fisher recorded nine points for AU on Friday night – as the former high school teammates are reunited as Eagles following Fisher's transfer from Virginia-Wise.
"It definitely felt good. Our team chemistry came back," Becker said. "It's a really big win."
Said Fisher, "The team here was very, very welcoming of me. Being able to connect on the field has definitely made it us come together."
Becker on Friday night became the young AU women's lacrosse program's all-time points scorer, now with 139.
"It feels really good. It's a huge accomplishment and I've worked so hard for it all these years," she said. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without all of my teammates and coach Simko. Really excited for this season and G-MAC play."
"When it's on, we're going to be hard to stop," Simko said of the offense.
POST-GAME NUGGETS
- Freshman goalkeeper Ainsley Witte made her first collegiate start on Friday, saving three shots for her first collegiate win.
- "That was definitely a confidence-builder," Simko said. "As the year goes on, she will continue to make those really great saves."
- Said Becker, "For it to pay off was incredible to see, especially since she's a freshman. She's worked hard, she's fit in great."
- Another rookie, attacker Ashley Drexler, finished with four goals and an assist.
- Ashland out-shot Notre Dame, 30-19, and forced 24 Falcons turnovers.
UP NEXT
Another home game on Sunday (Feb. 25) at noon against Davenport (1-0).
