The UMBC women’s lacrosse team started the Spring 2017 season out with a tough, 20-5 loss to take against the Towson tigers, and the proceeded to heat up through the rest of February. The team ended the month with a three game win streak on the road against Virginia Commonwealth University, American University, and George Washington University.

The season and home opener against Towson University on Feb. 15 may have seen the Retrievers outclassed, the team rebounded quickly that weekend against the VCU Rams. The 20-10 win was a statement game by the women Retrievers, who aimed to show that they would be more than competitive through the season.

The momentum continued with a tight road game against American University, where the Retrievers managed to sneak away with a 10-8 win by regaining confidence in the second half and putting the eagles away. The team ended the February stretch of their season with an inspired 17-10 performance against the George Washington Colonials.

The Retrievers’ greatest asset in the early part of this season so far is the veteran leadership of senior attacker Sam Nolan. Her 22 points leads the team, while junior attacker Carolyn Jamison is also impressing with seven goals and six assists through the early stretch.

The team has also been bolstered in the front with underclassmen talent Sara Moeller and Lauren McDonald, both sophomores are contributing substantially to the team. Moeller currently ranks second in the America East Conference in assists per game (2.75) and fifth in points per game (4.25). McDonald is currently eighth in points per game (2.75) and has secured an AEC leading two game winning goals in their first set of games this season.

The Retrievers have been consistent this season in putting the pressure on attacking the goal, netting 52 goals through their first four games (which leads the AEC) and keeping the foot on the gas pedal with consistent shooting. Further, the team is doing well in moving the ball around the attack, assisting on 29 of the goals scored.

The Retriever defense and midfield have been aggressive in forcing 54 turnovers and recovering 83 overall. While the Retrievers side’s 75 turnovers have been hurtful to the team so far, the Retrievers have been consistent enough to keep the turnover margin positive through the season.

The Retrievers will continue their season with early games in March against Mount St. Mary’s University and Temple University, before an intense rivalry game on March 8 at Johns Hopkins University. The team will hope to use their strong attacking core to continue to put on assertive performances through the season.

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