The University of Rhode Island women’s lacrosse team fell to Davidson College before snapping a three-game losing skid against George Washington University this week.
On Saturday afternoon, Rhody traveled to Davidson, North Carolina, where they were taken down by the Wildcats 18-7.
The Rams remained competitive early, with second-year Brinley Myers’ second goal pulling URI within two goals just two minutes into the second quarter. However, fourth-year Josie Lambert scored five unanswered goals for Davidson following Myers’ strike, and the Wildcats outscored Rhode Island 11-2 over the final 39 minutes.
Rhode Island was limited to just one goal after halftime as Davidson pulled away. The Wildcats dominated in draw controls, holding a 17-11 edge, including a 6-1 advantage in the second quarter. The other three periods were more evenly contested, with Davidson outscoring the Rams 11-10.
The Rams converted on five of 10 free-position shots, while Davidson made four in nine opportunities. Davidson also had a 21-14 advantage in ground balls.
Myers and first-year Calli Dunn each scored two goals for URI, while second-year Danielle McHugh added one goal and one assist. First-years Heidi Albrecht and Carolyn Kirk also contributed, with Albrecht scoring once and Kirk adding an assist. Third-year goalie Casey Phelps recorded 10 saves.
On Wednesday, Rhode Island used a dominant third quarter to snap a three-game losing streak and earn its first Atlantic 10 Conference victory, defeating George Washington 17-12.
The Rams led 10-8 at halftime after a tightly contested first half in which neither team led by more than two goals. That changed early in the third quarter when Dunn converted a free-position goal to give Rhody an 11-8 advantage.
“I think it just shows that hard work pays off,” URI Head Coach Jenna Slowey said. “I feel like we garnered a lot of belief that we can compete in this conference and make an impact.”
George Washington responded with a man-down goal after a Rhode Island turnover led to a breakaway for fifth-year Katie Fullowan, who finished the shot to cut the deficit to two. However, the Rams took control from there, closing the quarter on a 3-0 run. Myers scored twice, and first-year Kate Cumins added another goal, pushing Rhode Island’s lead to 14-9 entering the final period.
The Revolutionaries showed some fight to start the fourth, scoring back-to-back goals to pull within three. However, any hopes of a comeback were short-lived as the Rams quickly reasserted control. Cumins scored twice, and Dunn added another goal during a 3-0 burst, extending the lead to 17-11. From there, Rhode Island’s defense held strong, allowing just one late goal to secure the win.
Dunn and Cumins led the Rams’ offensive charge, combining for seven goals. Myers also played a key role with three additional goals.
“Brinley does a really good job of shaking it off and moving on to the next play,” Slowey said. “She can impact the game positively.”
With the victory, Rhode Island improved to 1-3 in conference play and 5-5 overall.
The Rams will look to build on this momentum when they face the University of Richmond on the road at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
