It was definitely not the afternoon the Fightin’ Irish expected. With domination of the draw control BC proved why they were a #4 seed in the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Tournament. Not that it’s an excuse but to quote the final stat sheet on the weather at game time “The hottest day of the year… so far” sums up what the Fightin’ Irish were up against. When BC wasn’t on offense, their defense was just as stifling. Despite the result of Saturday’s game, the future of Fightin’ Irish Women’s Lacrosse is bright.
First Half
Despite Andie Aldave scoring the first goal of the game, and assisted by Maddie Howe, BC took advantage of playing at home in front of their fans. After the Aldave goal, BC went on a 5-0 run over five minute span of time. Once again, these opportunities were set up by draw control wins. At 20:45, Kasey Choma stopped the BC run with a goal assisted by Maddie Ahern to bring the score to 5-2. Then there was a swing in momentum of the game at 17:44. Despite the score the Irish defense kicked in. They were forcing turnovers and ground ball pick ups in their favor. Ahern scored on back to back goals at 06:11 and 03:18. The second goal was assisted by Aldave to bring the score to 7-5 in the half. A late push by BC put a score on the board with 00.7 seconds on the clock. The Fightin’ Irish had slowed the BC game down and was gaining momentum.
Lost in all the scoring done was the saves that Bridget Deehan was delivering and keeping the Fightin’ Irish in the match. Deehan wrapped up seven saves of the fifteen shots put on net.
Second Half
The second half opened with BC adding to quick points to the board for a 10-5 lead. Jackie Wolak stopped the BC run with a goal at 25:44, to bring thre score to 10-6. Both teams exchanged a goal to bring the score to 11-6. Katie Enrietto, assisted by Ahern at 23:31. Wolak stopped the BC 3-0 run at 14:49 to bring the score to 14-8. Turnovers and penalties just plagued the Irish in the second half.
After four more goals and BC went up by ten points, the hardest event in sports occurs. The clock runs continuously until the score deficit is back under ten points. That chewed up a lot of clock on the Irish. The Irish End up with two more scores. A goal by Enrietto at 8:42 closed the gap to nine with a score of 18-9, and Choma scored the last goal of the game for a final score of 21-10.
Kasey Choma had three goals (Hat Trick), Madison Ahern two goals and two assists, Jackie Wolak two goals and one assist, Katie Enrietto two goals, and Andie Aldave wrapped up the scoring with one goal and one assist. Maddie Howe had the remaining assist.
Next For The Irish
The Fightin’ Irish have nothing to be ashamed of. they had a successful season. Though it ends without a National Championship chance, the future of this team is very bright. The current Sophomore class is going to want a chance at a title. The have the taste of being close, no it will be about taking their game up one level. This team has the ability to achieve the goal. Now they just need to keep the fire in the belly for next season.
Cheers and Go Irish ☘🥍🌩