St. Bonaventure (0-8) at Duquesne (2-5)
Thursday, March 29 – 3:00 p.m.
Rooney Field, Pittsburgh, Pa.
St. Bonaventure (0-8) vs. George Washington (7-1)
Saturday, March 31 – 12:00 p.m.
Marra Athletics Complex, St. Bonaventure, N.Y.
STORYLINE
The St. Bonaventure women's lacrosse team begins Atlantic 10 play in Pittsburgh against the Duquesne Dukes on Thursday, March 29 at 3:00 p.m. The Bonnies return home on Saturday, March 31 to play conference opponent, George Washington. Their second Atlantic 10 game is slated to begin at 12:00 p.m.
WHEN LAST WE MET - DUQUESNE
The Bonnies last played the Dukes at home on April 13, 2017. Despite a close game between the two teams, the Bonnies ultimately outlasted the Dukes with a score of 13-11. After a strong 9-4 halftime lead, Duquesne cut the lead to one goal after a fiery second half start. The Bonnies and Dukes traded goals during the rest of the second half, but Junior Olivia MacDonald and senior Scarlet Jaworski broke the 11-11 tie with two late goals. Jaworski led the offensive push for St. Bonaventure with four goals, while senior Gabrielle Bradley tacked on three assists.
ABOUT DUQUESNE
The Dukes season has had its times of success, even in close losses. They haven't fared well against out-of-conference opponents like Penn State, but their two victories have come on the road. Their offense is led by senior Jill Vacanti, who is in a three way tie for seventh place in the A-10 with number of goals scored (18). The Dukes have three other players that have scored 10 or more goals, and have the fourth highest shot-on-goal percentage in the A-10 (76.4%). While the team hasn't had much trouble scoring goals, their senior goalkeeper Emily McMinimee ranks last in the conference with a save percentage of 32.1%.
WHEN LAST WE MET - GW
The Bonnies last played at George Washington on March 31, 2017. It was the opening A-10 game for the Brown and White, and senior Rachel Perla found the back of the net first for an early lead. After the Colonials took a 4-3 lead, senior Scarlet Jaworski scored a quick goal before halftime to even things out. Despite a quick second half lead for the Bonnies, George Washington took over, scoring five straight goals. Jaworski and senior Taylor Fallon each scored to cut the game to a one-goal lead, but it wasn't enough as the Bonnies fell 10-9.
ABOUT GEORGE WASHINGTON
The Colonials have had an impressive 7-1 start, have yet to lose a game at home, and much of their success is due to their defensive performance thus far. Freshman goalkeeper Jenna Oler leads the conference in save percentage (58.7%) and ranks third in total saves (71). On the offensive side of the ball, George Washington has several players who can score. Senior Jocelyn Donohue is tied for most goals scored in the A-10 (23), while fellow classmate Camaryn Kerns has notched 17. Senior Brooke Sands has done a great job of scoring, while also finding open teammates (13 goals, 12 assists).
PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER
As of late, the Bonnies have continued to improve as a team on both sides of the ball. Their last loss came to Siena, and the team battled back from a three-goal deficit to almost capture their first victory. Junior Rylee Arnold has been nothing short of great with 16 goals scored and 20 points overall. Freshman Ashley Easterday has been solid for the Bonnies as well, scoring nine goals while also dishing out four assists. Senior goalkeeper Morgan Conroy has held her own in net, with a save percentage of 52.6%, and 72 total saves.
NEXT UP
The Bonnies next game will be on the road at UMass. The game will be played on Friday, April 6, at 3:00 p.m.
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