Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
California
Bulldogs Battle, Fall to Cal in Debut
2/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
Feb. 7, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State women's lacrosse made history Saturday at Bulldog Stadium in its debut match against a veteran Cal squad.
The Bulldogs came out strong winning the opening draw, but in the end fell to the experienced Bears team, 19-0.
"I am so proud of these young women," said head coach Sue Behme. "They played so hard against this tough Cal team. This team has improved so much since we began in August and even over the last four days since our scrimmages."
For Behme, two moments stand out.
"We won the first draw of the game, came down the field and possessed the ball," said Behme.
Molly Sovacool, one of the team captains, won that opening draw and set up the Bulldog's first possession.
"The fact that we won that first draw and then did it again was huge," said Behme. "We really showed up in those first 12 minutes or so and that was important." Sovacool agreed.
"We won the first draw of the game - we won the first possession ever - and that was huge," she said. "We made history today, win or lose."
Behme's other high moment came at the end of the game as Cal attempted to milk the clock.
"Cal was holding the ball and we were able to get a stall break," explained Behme. "It's a pretty big field and the other team can play keep away. The fact that we were able to get organized and get those turnovers was huge. That's what experienced lacrosse players do and we only have eight months under our belt."
Team captain Heather Jack, one of the few players with prior lacrosse experience, was really excited with how much the team gleaned from the match.
"We learned a lot today," said Jack. "It was fun to get out there and play the game I love with my team. I can't wait to get back on the field and play Stanford." Behme agreed.
"Stanford is another notch up," she said. "The better teams we play, the better we will get quickly. I can't wait to see how we do against a Top 20 team like Stanford."
Nine hundred and twenty-eight fans turned out to support the Bulldogs for the inaugural event. Average attendance for women's lacrosse on a national scale is around 300.
"The fans were amazing today. Hearing them cheer us on and support us was awesome," said Jack.
Director of Athletics Thomas Boeh was impressed with both the fan support and the athletes themselves.
"It was very gratifying to see the way the student-athletes represented us on this important occasion," said Boeh. "And the enthusiasm from the spectators was impressive. It didn't matter what the score was in this particular game, it was a victory for Fresno State."
The Bulldogs travel to Stanford for the second match of the season on Thursday, Feb. 12.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs travel to Stanford to battle the Cardinal on Thursday, February 12 at 7 pm. They return home to Bulldog Stadium on Saturday, April 4 as they host Saint Mary's at 1:00 pm.
