Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/10/23
From Press Release
The host Temple women’s lacrosse team opened its season today by toppling Vermont, 10-5, in non-league action.
Eight Owls scored, with Belle Mastropietro (Springfield-Delco) leading the charge, posting five points on three goals.
Recapping the Game
The Catamounts took the early lead, finding the back of the net in the first two minutes of play, but the Owls halted their momentum, answering back immediately.
Maeve Tobin secured the first Owl goal of 2023 off a Mackenzie Roth (Parkland) assist to put the Owls on the board.
Charessa Crosse continued to build on the momentum, netting a goal of her own off a Camryn Zavacky (Saucon Valley) assist to propel the Owls into the lead, which remained for the entirety of the game.
With just five minutes remaining in the first quarter, Mastropietro found her first goal of the day, followed by a Mia Ciancio (Haverford High) finish off an Amelia Wright assist.
Vermont found the only goal of the second quarter, ending the half, 4-2.
Just two goals were scored in the third quarter, with Roth securing her first of the day for Temple, followed by a goal from the Catamounts to bring the score to 5-3.
The Cherry and White entered the fourth quarter with intensity, finding an offensive burst and netting four unanswered goals, which came from Erin King, Olivia Murphy (Bishop Shanahan) and Mastropietro (2).
Vermont exerted pressure, with Lily Trainer finishing for the Catamounts, before Julie Schickling (Springfield-Delco) advanced the Owl lead to 10-4.
Molly McDonough (Harriton) had two groundballs two caused turnovers and two draw controls for Vermont while Jane Trauger (Eastern Regional-NJ) scored once.
Statistically Speaking
Mastropietro’s seven draw control performance today advances her career total to 199, just one draw control away from 200.
Both Ciancio and Murphy secured their first collegiate goal.
Sophomore goalie Taylor Grollman made her first collegiate start, racking up a career-high eight saves to anchor the Owl defense.
Junior Maddie Barber (Middle Township) tied a career-best, scooping up six groundballs.
Quotable
“Opening games are always really difficult,” Head Coach Bonnie Rosen (Harriton) said. “Not only are you trying to get out the nerves, but it’s tough to scout at the beginning of the season. Our team really responded, and I was excited about how we battled it out today. This was definitely a defensive fight for us, and a battle on the draw circle, but we certainly pulled it out and we’re excited for our next test against Ohio State.”
Next Up
The Owls will return to action on Sunday, Feb. 12, traveling to Ohio State to face off in their first competition against the Buckeyes in 22 years. The match is set for 12 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Big Ten Plus.