2008 Woodie Awards
Girls lax loses heartbreaker; looks to rebound against ranked opponents this week
Dave Evans
Issue date: 3/14/07 Section: Sports
Coming into the Randolph Macon game, the Generals started with solid win over the University of Dallas 17-1, an impressive come from behind victory over St. Mary's 11-10, the first in the program's history, and a win in their opening ODAC campaign against improving Roanoke College 11-4. In each of the wins, the formula was draw controls, transition goals, solid defense and goalkeeping. Randolph Macon had played a close game in the 2006 ODAC conference championships and W&L knew they would be up against a determined foe.
In the first half of the Randolph Macon game, the formula held true with the Generals winning 7 of 10 draws and building a 7-2 half time lead behind solid defense, transition goals and aggressive mid-field play. Kelly Evans had three goals in the first half and was one of four Generals to score (Megear, Robinson and Mathews). Colleen Evans and Laura Henson added assists, with Tilbor turning away a last second shot before the half. In the second half, Randolph Macon showed their grit when the Generals took a 9-4 lead behind goals from Kelsi Robinson and Kelly Evans, by adding two of their own to narrow the contest 9-6. This was accomplished by even control at the draw circle (6-6) and increased mid-field intensity. Ali Hillyard was in goal for the second half and as the Generals defense dug in behind Michaels, Gockley and Zwart, the contest was put away behind goals from Colleen Evans (2) and Laura Henson (off a pretty assist from Britten Mathews) and Christine Bender, who was battling painful shin splits.
The next contest was against #8 ranked Franklin & Marshall Diplomats, a battle of the undefeated teams on Fancy Dress weekend. Unfortunately, the Generals came out on the losing end 11-9. While statistics only tell part of the story, two stats jump off the page in the close game: (1) draw controls - the Diplomats controlled the draw circle 15-7 on what were mostly 50/50 ground balls, meaning there was equal opportunity for both teams and (2) free position shots - the Generals were 0-5 on penalty shots. Generally, teams should score on close to half of their free position opportunities.
In the first half of the Randolph Macon game, the formula held true with the Generals winning 7 of 10 draws and building a 7-2 half time lead behind solid defense, transition goals and aggressive mid-field play. Kelly Evans had three goals in the first half and was one of four Generals to score (Megear, Robinson and Mathews). Colleen Evans and Laura Henson added assists, with Tilbor turning away a last second shot before the half. In the second half, Randolph Macon showed their grit when the Generals took a 9-4 lead behind goals from Kelsi Robinson and Kelly Evans, by adding two of their own to narrow the contest 9-6. This was accomplished by even control at the draw circle (6-6) and increased mid-field intensity. Ali Hillyard was in goal for the second half and as the Generals defense dug in behind Michaels, Gockley and Zwart, the contest was put away behind goals from Colleen Evans (2) and Laura Henson (off a pretty assist from Britten Mathews) and Christine Bender, who was battling painful shin splits.
The next contest was against #8 ranked Franklin & Marshall Diplomats, a battle of the undefeated teams on Fancy Dress weekend. Unfortunately, the Generals came out on the losing end 11-9. While statistics only tell part of the story, two stats jump off the page in the close game: (1) draw controls - the Diplomats controlled the draw circle 15-7 on what were mostly 50/50 ground balls, meaning there was equal opportunity for both teams and (2) free position shots - the Generals were 0-5 on penalty shots. Generally, teams should score on close to half of their free position opportunities.
Be the first to comment on this story