The University of Rhode Island women’s lacrosse team lost its first games of the season this week against Rider University and Bryant University.
The Rams battled with Rider on Saturday afternoon, but a five-goal fourth quarter by the Broncs ultimately led to a 13-12 loss for the Rams.
Rhode Island struck first in the opening minute on the first career goal from second-year Carolyn Kirk, with an assist from fifth-year Caitlin Dellecave, to give the Rams a 1-0 lead. Rider responded quickly, with fourth-year Toni Gismondi finding the back of the net to tie the game.
The Rams answered with two straight goals from second-years Sami MacDonald and Calli Dunn, taking a 3-1 advantage. However, Rider tied it again at 3-3 after Gismondi scored her second goal of the day. Rhode Island regained the lead at 4-3 when first-year MJ Timpanaro scored. Rider finished the quarter strong, scoring twice in the final 30 seconds to take a 5-4 lead after the first period.
“Every opportunity, because we are so young, is an opportunity to learn,” URI Head Coach Jenna Slowey said. “If we’re not learning something from this, then we’re not going to move forward.”
The game continued to be a back-and-forth affair. Rider went up by two goals in the second quarter, leading 7-5, but Rhode Island kept fighting. Third-year Caralie Basuel’s goal with 6:44 left in the second pulled the Rams within one, at 7-6 going into halftime.
After the break, the Rams came out strong, scoring two quick goals to take an 8-7 lead, their first since the opening period. The Broncs, however, answered with an equalizer at 6:55 as the teams continued to trade goals.
Rhode Island regained a two-goal advantage thanks to a shot from first-year Heidi Albrecht at 2:03, followed by a free-position goal from second-year Danielle McHugh with just one second remaining in the quarter, putting the Rams ahead 10-8 entering the final 15 minutes.
In the fourth quarter, Rider took control. The Broncs scored three consecutive goals to take an 11-10 lead in the first five minutes. Dunn managed to tie the game at 11 with her second goal of the period, but Rider responded with two more goals to take a 13-11 lead. Dunn added her third goal in the final 90 seconds, but it wasn’t enough, as Rider held on for the win, handing Rhode Island its first loss of the season.
“Rider is a new program as well,” Slowey said. “But they’ve got an extra year under their belt, and they’ve got a great transfer from Rutgers [University], but we’ve just got to connect from one side of the ball to the other.”
On Wednesday evening, URI made the quick trip to Smithfield to take on Bryant.
The game began with both teams trading goals. Myers and MacDonald put the Rams on the board within the first three minutes, tying the game 2-2, but Bryant commanded the game from there.
Leading 12-4 at halftime, the Bulldogs continued to extend their lead, holding Rhode Island scoreless in the third quarter. Bryant reached a 10-goal advantage, as it led 14-4 with 7:03 remaining in the period.
First-year Aerin Keesser scored Rhode Island’s final goal of the night, netting her first career goal in the fourth quarter. Bryant added one more goal about two minutes later to seal the 19-5 victory.
A seven-goal first quarter proved to be the turning point in the Rams’ loss, though they limited Bryant to just two goals in the final period.
The Rams will continue their season on the road on Saturday at Fairleigh Dickinson University at noon.
