MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — The Middlebury College women’s lacrosse team this past Saturday edged previously unbeaten NESCAC foe Wesleyan, 8-7. The Panthers will visit Bowdoin this weekend.
The 3-1 Panthers scored the final two goals of the game and held the 3-1 Cardinals scoreless over the final 19:57 to post the victory.
Middlebury scored three straight goals in the first half to take a 3-1 lead at 16:16, but Wesleyan equalized by halftime, 4-4.
The Panthers put the first two goals on the board after the break, but the Cardinals scored three in a row to take a 7-6 lead at 19:57.
Emily Barnard equalized 2:01 later with an assist from Erin Nicholas. Emma McDonagh converted a free position for the game-winner with 5:00 remaining.
Panther goalie Julia Keith (who made eight saves and allowed four goals in 50 minutes after relieving starter Kate Furber) made a couple big saves down the stretch.
The Cardinals also had a chance to tie in the final minute, but Panther midfielder Sara DiCenso broke up a pass and picked up the ground ball with 30 seconds remaining to secure the win.
Barnard, Jenna McNicholas and McDonagh each finished with two goals for the Panthers, while defender Addy Mitchell caused six turnovers and picked up four ground balls to pace the defense. Wesleyan goalie Allegra Grant made six saves, and Abigail Horst scored three goals.