University of Oregon
Vermont
Second-Half Surge Lifts Ducks Past Vermont, 10-6
03/08/09 | Women's Lacrosse
EUGENE, Ore. -- Stellar play by senior goalie Anna Poponyak and four unanswered goals in the second half carried the University of Oregon women's lacrosse team to a 10-6 victory over Vermont on a wild, snowy afternoon at Pape' Field.
Tied 4-4 after 30 minutes, Oregon's Alicia Burkhart won the draw control to start the second half, raced straight toward the UVM (2-3) goal and scored eight seconds into the period to give the Ducks (4-2) momentum and the lead.
Ilsa van den Berg converted a feed from Jess Drummond at the 29:10 mark and UO seized control.
“Those two quick goals to start the second half that made them take a timeout were huge," head coach Jen Larsen said.
Vermont's timeout didn't faze the Ducks, nor did the cold rain or giant snow flakes that fell for the rest of the contest. Freshmen attackers Catherine Davidson and Bina Barrett gave Oregon a cushion at 8-4 and Poponyak held the fort as the two sides scored two goals apiece the rest of the way.
“We had the ball on offense a lot," Larsen said. "I'm proud our defense stayed hot and fresh, but when you have Poponyak making those saves it really fires everyone up."
The senior netminder made six stops in each half to earn her fourth win of the season. Poponyak and her defense forced the Catamounts to come up empty on all eight of their free position (8-meter) shots.
“I always want to prove I can play at a high level," Poponyak said. "This win is a turning point for the season.”
The win for Oregon was its third straight overall and second of a season-long four-game homestand, which continues a week from today against No. 25 Johns Hopkins.
Carrying the offensive load again was a group of freshmen that continue to impress on the field and in the box score. Davidson led the squad with three points on a pair of goals and an assist; the Drummond sisters recorded two points apiece with Jana potting a pair; and Bina Barrett chipped in with a goal and an assist.
“To see some of the freshman making plays and understanding how the game is changing is great," Larsen said.
Poponyak, one of four senior captains echoed her coach's sentiments.
“I want 60 minutes of play from this team, and I'm happy we did that today," Poponyak said. "We are here to help the freshmen. We want them to step up now to carry through for the future of this program.”
The Catamounts and Ducks appeared evenly matched early on, with the two teams tied on the scoreboard in goals (4), shots (13) and shots on goal (8) at one point near the end of the first half. For the game, Oregon outshot UVM, 32-27.
Vermont was led by Allison Pfohl's hat-trick and also received goals from Megan MacDonald and Kristen Millar.
QUACK TRACKS: Oregon improved to 4-0 all-time vs. UVM ... On the weekend, the Ducks outscored the opposition by a combined count of 30-6 ... UO never trailed in the two games ... Erin Chisnell, who had one assist, led the Ducks with five groundballs and four caused turnovers.
