March 17, 2011

Box Score

Berkeley, Calif. - The California women's lacrosse team (5-3, 2-0 MPSF) used a deliberate, possession-style offensive attack to wear down Navy (8-2, 1-0 PL) in a 13-6 victory over the visiting Midshipmen at Witter Rugby Field on Thursday afternoon. Cal held the nation's 12th-ranked scoring offense to a season low six goals in the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

"I give Cal credit," said head coach Cindy Timchal. "They started on us right from the beginning and took control of the game. They are a team that plays a very deliberate, slow-down possession style offense and that created issues for us defensively. We ended making some defensive errors and doing some things that were uncharacteristic for us. We then had to fight from behind and just couldn't dig ourselves out of the hole. "

Navy did get on the board first as senior Katrina Nietsch (New Canaan, Conn.) opened the game's scoring six minutes in on a free-position goal. Then three straight Cal goals, included two from Megan Takacs, allowed the Golden Bears to take a 3-1 lead in the game, which they would not relinquish.

Freshman Aimee Gennaro (Havertown, Pa.) then responded with a goal for Navy, but Cal answered right back to take a 4-2 edge mid-way through the first half.

Gennaro then converted on a free-position for her second goal of the day before two straight Cal goals pushed the lead to 6-3 heading into halftime.

Cal carried its momentum over from the first half by scoring three minutes into the second to stake a 7-3 edge. Nietsch then scored twice to bookend Cal's eighth goal of the game. Cal then scored the next three goals, including two from Tara Arolla, to go up 11-5.

Junior Danielle Vivonetto (Rocky Point, N.Y.) broke up Cal's spurt with a tally to cut the lead to 11-6, before the Bears scored the final two goals of the game to post a 13-6 win.

Nietsch posted her 19th hat trick of her career and her third of the season and Gennaro had two goals and an assist. Sophomore Jasmine DePompeo (Sayville, N.Y.) was held without a point for the first time this season.

Holslag and Arolla each had three points for Cal. Goalie Allie Shropshire got the win in goal, making five saves.

Cal outshot Navy 26-15, held a 21-14 edge in ground balls and 12-9 advantage in draw controls.

"We now have to use this as an opportunity to grow as a team and improve on some things," said Timchal. "We are looking to respond by playing well against Lafayette on Sunday."

The Mids will return home for a Patriot League contest against Lafayette at 1 pm on Sunday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.