Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Liberty
Dogs Nearly Douse Lady Flames
3/22/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
March 22, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State women's lacrosse team's push for that elusive first win reached a fevered pitch Tuesday afternoon.
The Bulldogs stormed back from a five-goal deficit, and, in interim co-head coach Lindsay Gotham's words, "showed a confidence about us that we haven't had," before falling to Liberty 14-13 at Osborne Stadium in Lynchburg, Va. Sophomore Amanda Cross led Fresno State with four goals. She has now scored at least one goal in each of the past five games.
For the Bulldogs, their 13 goals tied a program high, matching last season's 13-goal output against Detroit. The one-goal setback also marks their closest margin of defeat in program history.
"Today, they finally proved to themselves that we can step up and change the momentum of a game," Gotham said. "We won the ball in extremely crucial points in that game, and we proved what we're capable of."
Indeed, Fresno State trailed 14-9 before Gotham and interim co-head coach Carlee Buck called a timeout with nearly four minutes to play. The Bulldogs (0-8) maintained their composure, turned up their defensive pressure and were rewarded for the effort by scoring four unanswered goals.
Fresno State, which travels to Presbyterian on Thursday, won 20 of its 29 draw controls and out-shot the Lady Flames 35-26.
Senior defender Krisdina Gehring had four ground balls for the Bulldogs, while goalie Katie Wilbur made nine saves and had a huge interception that led to a goal in the last two minutes of the game.
Midfielders Briana Hetherington, Paula Badali and Rachel Minarovich scored twice for Fresno State, while Natalie Harrington, Margaret Wolford and Lauren Natale added one goal apiece. Harrington also notched a team-high three assists for the Bulldogs.
"Our possession game wasn't 100 percent today, but when all is said and done, we found a way to put the ball in the back of the net," Buck said. "We've been stressing the importance of 50-50 balls and draw controls, and the last four minutes, everyone stepped up."
"We Are Your Team!" -- Be sure to come to Bulldog Stadium on Saturday, April 2, as Fresno State lacrosse players from past and present reunite for an alumni game. The fun starts at noon, admission is free and those to arrive first get FREE Fresno State Centennial Ice Cream. There will also be an autograph session following the game.
